Government-appointed committee presents investigative report on inter-country adoptions to Norway
The Committee’s findings were presented at a press conference on 22 June 2026, where the Minister of Children and Families, Lene Vågslid, received the report. The Committee has found evidence of both unlawful and unethical practices and has concluded that there have been clear shortcomings in Norway’s adoption system throughout the entire period reviewed by the committee.
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“The findings are serious and point to clear systemic shortcomings, particularly historically. The Committee has conducted a thorough and important investigation, and we will now examine its conclusions carefully. The report is significant, both for the authorities and for adoptees and their families,” says Anders Henriksen, Head of Division at the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir).
“We recognise that this report may raise concerns and prompt questions for some adoptees about their background. Our priority is to ensure that those who need it have access to clear information and appropriate support,” he adds.
Bufdir provides services for adoptees and their families who are seeking information or someone to talk to.
A counselling helpline is available, including for professionals working in related public services such as health care providers. Adoptees are also offered consultations with experienced family therapists; this service has recently been expanded.
Bufdir will upon request provide adoptees with access to their adoption records held in Norway, and will assist, where possible, in obtaining additional information about their case from the country of origin.
The Ministry of Children and Families will submit the report for a public hearing on the same day as it was presented.
“It is up to the Ministry to decide how the report will be followed up, but we will of course review it closely. It is essential that adoptions are processed in a safe, transparent, and sound manner. In recent years, we have strengthened oversight and suspended adoption cooperation agreements with several countries of origin, to reduce the risk of irregularities and protect the rights of all parties involved in an adoption process,” says Henriksen.