The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has during recent decades influenced professionals and policy-makers in Norway as well as in other countries, resulting in changes in documents regulating early childhood institutions. Little is known, however, about the way this right is understood and realized in everyday practice. How is the concept…

The article starts by illustrating how children's right to participation comes to the fore in legal documents regulating the field of early childhood education in Norway. Issues regarding the views of children, understanding of democracy and of play, which influence how this right is realised in early childhood practice, are taken as a point of…

In this article we explore socio-cultural theories of learning and some of the processes by which children learn democratic values. Norwegian policy and practice emphasises children's right to participation and involvement in decision-making. We discuss the importance of adults' attitudes, knowledge and ability to relate to and understand…

Describes the development, responsibilities, and achievements of the office of the Ombudsman for Children in Norway. (RJC)

In 1981, the Norwegian parliament established an Ombudsman for Children to promote children's interests. This book describes the ombudsman's efforts to serve children, both in the past and the present, in 6 chapters. In Chapter One, a brief history of changes in families, children and society in Norway in the twentieth century is followed by…

Since the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, nations are obligated to submit regular reports to the international Expert Committee, which will require monitoring conditions for children. This study discusses the Norwegian Ombudsman for Children as a useful source of experience for other countries. Chapter 1 presents those…

A number of research seminars were organized to clarify the fundamental principles underlying local, regional, and international efforts to establish a structure for monitoring and promoting children's rights. This book contains papers presented at these seminars by experts on child advocacy, promotion of children's interests by children, and…

Examines 1990s school-related activities and rhetoric of Norway's Ombudsman for Children related to: (1) children's rights to education, especially religious and moral education and in the closest environment; (2) rights in education, including a secure procedure for individual complaints; and (3) rights through education to participation and…

The article reviews special education in Norway, including the general education system, health and welfare services for persons with disabilities, the organization of special education, integration, qualifications of special education teachers, national plans for development, and problems and progress. It is recommended that advocacy for those…