Child protection investigations in Norway - thresholds for screening decisions.

A lecture with Dr Sven Arild Vis Associate Professor at University of Tromsö

Child protection investigations in Norway - thresholds for screening decisions. 

Abstract: This study was commissioned by the Norwegian directorate for children and family affairs.  The aim is to identify factors that determine if a case reported to child protection services is investigated or screened out. The study consist of case file analysis (N=1365) interviews with managers (N=15) and focus groups with social workers (N=6). The results show that thresholds for screening in differ among local municipalities and are influenced by a range of factors related to the case, the content of report as well as organisational and external factors. Implications are discussed.