In addition to finding families for children, we also work in a more general way to promote adoption as a child welfare option benefiting not only for the children but also their new parents, the majority of which are involuntary childless couples. In addition to being a lobby group for adoption rights in our country, we work on the international scene, where we sponsor, support or take part in meetings concerning adoption rules and ethics. Adopsjonsforum is a founding member of both the Nordic Adoption Council (
NAC), which covers Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and
EurAdopt, an association of recognised adoption mediators in 12 Western European countries.
Together with the other member organizations of NAC and EurAdopt, we advocate intercountry adoption as an option in child welfare only when pursued in the best interest of the child, with respect for his or her fundamental rights and according to the principle of subsidiarity. The principle of subsidiarity implies that before the authorities of the child's country of origin allow an intercountry adoption, they must determine that the child can not be suitable placed in a family in that country. NAC and EurAdopt have elaborated Ethical rules that the member organizations must follow. These rules serve as a supplement to international instruments, such as the
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the
Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co–operation with Respect to Intercountry Adoption.
In addition to its adoption–related activities, Adopsjonsforum has a program where aid and assistance is given to disadvantaged children who cannot be adopted.
Once or twice a year Adopsjonsforum publishes a newsletter in other languages. Click
here to read the latest English version.
You can also download general information, click
here.
Our latest Annual report in English (2007) is available
here.
The Norwegian Central Authority for adoption matters is the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, also known by its Norwegian abbreviation Bufdir. Click
here for their information page in English concerning intercountry adoption. This page has links to the Norwegian adoption law etc.
If you have comments or questions, please send a message to
info@adopsjonsforum.no, write to Adopsjonsforum, Post Box 2364 Solli, N–0201 Oslo, call us at + 47 23280800 or send a fax to + 47 23280801.