Introduction

The introductory quotation is taken from the opening speech at the Norwegian Child Welfare Services Congress, 19 September 2007, made by the recently resigned Norwegian Children's Minister. Under the headline “We want an equal and knowledge-based Child Welfare Services”, she refers to some of the commitments made by the Norwegian government to help the nation's most vulnerable children. First, the Minister underlines that “children have their own independent rights”. Second, she points out that “the family and the local community are to be involved in decisions and choice of measures taken”. Third, Norway aims for “a knowledge-based child welfare service”.

The Minister's review of the Norwegian government's commitments highlights the questions that are the focus of this chapter. Her statement provides a glimpse of the contours of three different movements within the Norwegian Child Welfare Services: the movement towards knowledge-based services; the focus on family in the services; and the commitment to ensuring children's and young people's right to participation.

These three objectives will often have parallel intentions and functions; however, this is not necessarily the case. For example, if a request for help by a child and/or family results in the child remaining safe and at home, the outcome of intervention is undoubtedly a good one. If, in addition, this outcome is the result of appropriate, knowledge-based and inclusive methods, this is even better.