Information for foster parents

It is important that foster parents know the rights of the foster children in order to support the foster child according to the goals set out in the foster contract.

It is important to ensure that children know why they are in foster care, and what plans the child protection services have for their future, as their age and development allow.

It is the role of child protection services to prepare children as well as possible for separation from their parents, including by ensuring that the child has the therapy needed.

The main rights of foster children are:

Attending school

Foster children have the right to attend school in the foster parents' municipality of domicile, and it is the responsibility of the municipality to ensure they enjoy educational services to the same extent as other children there.

The child protection services are responsible for enrolling the foster child in primary schools, and providing information on previous schooling and support needs, to ensure the ability of the respective primary schools to meet the needs of the child.

Contacts with others

Children in foster care have the right to contact their parents and other people close to them. Contact here means spending time together and and other communication.

When determining the types of contact allowed with the child in foster care, consideration should be given to what is best for the child, in order to achieve the foster care objectives.

The foster child has the right to have his or her culture taken into consideration, and to have the opportunity to maintain a connection with that culture and background.

Children 15 years of age or older may request visitation themselves.

Visitation arrangements are included as part of the foster contract. Amendments to the visitation agreement can be requested if there is reason for it.

Living conditions

A foster child has the right to a good living environment with foster parents, and to be cared for with empathy and sensitivity in accordance with its interests and needs.

Supporting the child

A foster child is entitled to support from the child protection services, and their condition and well-being should be monitored. The needs of foster children for support can vary depending on their age and development, and those needs can change depending on how long they have been in foster care, and their ideas about foster care.

A foster child has the right to be in contact with the case manager at the child protection services, who shall inform the child how to do that.

On reaching the age of 18

A young person who has been in foster care may request from the child protection services that the provision of services be maintained after the end of foster care at the age of 18, up to the age of 20 years.

Complaints

A child has the right to complain about foster care measures, if it is uncomfortable with the procedures by the foster parents or the child protection services. The first step is to discuss such matters with the child protection representative, but a formal complaint is sent to the Gæða- og eftirlitsstofnun velferðarmála (GEV).

See more about complaints concerning welfare services.