Child minister Kjell Ingolf Ropstad of Kristelig Folkeparti(KrF) has prepared an extensive support system for the five orphaned siblings who were brought home from Syria on Monday.
‘’Children of foreign combatants who come to Norway, like all other children staying in the country, have the right to the necessary help, protection, and care from the child welfare service’’ wrote Ropstad in a letter to parliament which was referred to by Vårt Land newspaper on Tuesday.
Ropstad’s ministry has commissioned the Norwegian Ministry of Children and Family Affairs (Bufdir) to establish a contingency plan to assist child welfare services who are responsible for the care situation for returning children of Norwegian foreign combatants.
Millions set aside
NOK 2.5 million has been set aside for cutting-edge measures aimed at increasing the competence for work for returning foreign combatants, especially aimed at returning women and their children the newspaper wrote on Monday.
‘’I have received information from my directorate that they are ready to assist relevant child welfare services with guidance’’ said Ropstad.
Follow-up
In the letter that has been sent out, several factors are mentioned specifically. Among other things, children who are returning from traumatic conditions in Syria may need special follow-up. They may have witnessed or been exposed to violence and abuse and may need both somatic and mental health care. They may also have special needs in school with regard to follow-up and language training.
The police security service (PST) estimates that there are about 40 Norwegian children in Syria.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
