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Logosymbol for BarnsBeste - nasjonalt kompetansenettverk for barn som pårørende
National Competence Network for Children as Next of Kin

BarnsBeste

BarnsBeste works to ensure that children who are next of kin and their families receive the follow-up they need.

 

Children as next of kin

Children and young people (aged 0–18) are next of kin when a parent or sibling has health problems or dies. This includes step- and adoptive parents, foster parents, and equivalent siblings. Health problems may include mental illness, addiction, serious physical illness, injury, or disabilities.

When someone in the family has health problems, it affects children’s and young people’s thoughts, feelings, and everyday lives. They need understanding and to be included in order to feel safe and that they belong.

On this page you will find more information about children as next of kin, as well as resources for employees in local authorities and health services, next of kin, and patients.

 

In actions and decisions that affect children, the best interests of the child must be a fundamental consideration.
The Constitution of Norway, Section 104
Tekst
When parents or siblings are affected by health problems or die, this affects children’s and young people’s thoughts, feelings, and everyday lives.

 

Information videos for the Resource Package for local authorities available on our website

BarnsBeste has now developed short information videos showing how to put work with children as next of kin into practice.

Information videos for the Resource Package
Et par kvinner som holder et skjold

Launches a supplementary package for schools and kindergartens

BarnsBeste has launched a supplementary package for local authorities’ work with children as next of kin. The new section has been specially developed for staff in schools and kindergartens, and aims to help ensure that children living in families affected by illness, substance use, or mental health challenges are seen and properly supported.
Launches a supplementary package for schools and kindergartens
Et par kvinner som poserer for et bilde foran en stor skjerm

New resource package for work with children as next of kin in local authorities

BarnsBeste is launching a new resource package to give local authorities across the country better tools to support children as next of kin.
New resource package for work with children as next of kin in local authorities
En mann og en kvinne i svart bakgrunn

Highlights children’s experiences as next of kin

A new knowledge review provides insight into how children and young people aged 0 to 25 experience everyday life when their parents are mentally ill, have substance use disorders, are seriously ill, or are injured.
Highlights the everyday lives of children as next of kin
En person som smiler for kameraet

More health trusts implement “Children under the radar”

14 Norwegian health trusts are strengthening efforts to identify violence and neglect against children by implementing “Children under the radar”.
More health trusts implement “Children under the radar”
En kvinne og et barn
Last updated 26.08.2026
TEST VERSION
Machine-translated copy of sshf.no for testing only. Not official information.