As many readers of this blog are aware, for quite some time I have been concerned about government organizations that are supposed to be in the business of helping parents raise their families. In many cases the exact opposite happens; children are taken from their parents for no good reason whatsoever. This happens in many places in our world but I have focused on Norway because of the particularly egregious cases there that I began learning about in 2016. I am keeping informed of the situation there and, as far as I can tell, things are as bad as they’ve ever been. Besides excellent articles I read coming out of Norway, I have also kept track of several social media sources where parents affected by the strange philosophies of these “helpful” government organizations share their stories. At the end of this year I am sharing one social media statement to illustrate an example of what I am referring to. This mother lives in Denmark which has a “Child Welfare System” very much like Norway’s. She follows and engages with Norwegian parents who are in the same situation. I chose her statement because Mia’s English is very good and I think she expresses feelings that many of the affected parents experience.
Chris Reimers
*
Justice and Respect Are Not Too Much to Ask For
By Mia Kristensen
And now December begins. For many it is a month filled with joy, warmth, coziness and anticipation. A month where families come together and find peace in each other.
But for those of us affected by the system, December feels different.
Why would one decorate for Christmas when the family is torn apart?
How do you find the Christmas spirit when you are reminded every day of what you have lost?
We live in a society where we are expected to carry on as if nothing happened. The fact that we “wear it nicely”. That we just have to function.
But the truth is that many families have been divided because of:
– liars
– misunderstandings
– bad stomach feelings
– lack of professionalism
– lack of resources and support
None of us were perfect.
But no humans are perfect.
Everyone can learn. Anyone can grow.
The system should also be able to.
We talk so much about self-insight and mentalization – but the truth is that neither municipalities nor politicians live up to those concepts.
Instead, many families face a cold system, where help never comes, and where the consequence is the hardest: to lose their child.
December should be the time for families.
Instead, far too many are sitting alone, separated from the ones they love, without the opportunity to celebrate Christmas like everyone else.
This post is not about pity.
It’s all about fairness.
And to remind the community that there are families who do not celebrate anything this year – not because they don’t want to, but because their family has been taken from them.
For those of you who are not affected:
You are lucky to be able to celebrate Christmas with your children and family.
Just think for a moment about those who are not allowed.
A little understanding. A little bit of spaciousness. A little bit of humanity.
It costs nothing but means everything.
Happy December to those who celebrate.
And to the rest of us:
There must be room for us too.
It is not taboo to say out loud what hurts.
Justice and respect are not too much to ask for.
Take care of yourselves.
From: The Folket vs Barnevernet Facebook page
Posted by Chris 
2025 UPDATE on the Norwegian Child Welfare System
December 27, 2025As many readers of this blog are aware, for quite some time I have been concerned about government organizations that are supposed to be in the business of helping parents raise their families. In many cases the exact opposite happens; children are taken from their parents for no good reason whatsoever. This happens in many places in our world but I have focused on Norway because of the particularly egregious cases there that I began learning about in 2016. I am keeping informed of the situation there and, as far as I can tell, things are as bad as they’ve ever been. Besides excellent articles I read coming out of Norway, I have also kept track of several social media sources where parents affected by the strange philosophies of these “helpful” government organizations share their stories. At the end of this year I am sharing one social media statement to illustrate an example of what I am referring to. This mother lives in Denmark which has a “Child Welfare System” very much like Norway’s. She follows and engages with Norwegian parents who are in the same situation. I chose her statement because Mia’s English is very good and I think she expresses feelings that many of the affected parents experience.
Chris Reimers
*
Justice and Respect Are Not Too Much to Ask For
By Mia Kristensen
And now December begins. For many it is a month filled with joy, warmth, coziness and anticipation. A month where families come together and find peace in each other.
But for those of us affected by the system, December feels different.
Why would one decorate for Christmas when the family is torn apart?
How do you find the Christmas spirit when you are reminded every day of what you have lost?
We live in a society where we are expected to carry on as if nothing happened. The fact that we “wear it nicely”. That we just have to function.
But the truth is that many families have been divided because of:
– liars
– misunderstandings
– bad stomach feelings
– lack of professionalism
– lack of resources and support
None of us were perfect.
But no humans are perfect.
Everyone can learn. Anyone can grow.
The system should also be able to.
We talk so much about self-insight and mentalization – but the truth is that neither municipalities nor politicians live up to those concepts.
Instead, many families face a cold system, where help never comes, and where the consequence is the hardest: to lose their child.
December should be the time for families.
Instead, far too many are sitting alone, separated from the ones they love, without the opportunity to celebrate Christmas like everyone else.
This post is not about pity.
It’s all about fairness.
And to remind the community that there are families who do not celebrate anything this year – not because they don’t want to, but because their family has been taken from them.
For those of you who are not affected:
You are lucky to be able to celebrate Christmas with your children and family.
Just think for a moment about those who are not allowed.
A little understanding. A little bit of spaciousness. A little bit of humanity.
It costs nothing but means everything.
Happy December to those who celebrate.
And to the rest of us:
There must be room for us too.
It is not taboo to say out loud what hurts.
Justice and respect are not too much to ask for.
Take care of yourselves.
From: The Folket vs Barnevernet Facebook page
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