This book examines the complex relationships and tensions between Barnevernet, Norways child welfare service responsible for protecting childrens well-being, and members of the Polish migrant community who arrived in Norway after Poland joined the European Union. At first glance, the subject may appear narrow, if not niche, but in my opinion, the work offers far more than a specialized case study. It is, in fact, a model investigation of the important role that psychology can play in understanding migration processes.
I would recommend this book not only to those interested in contemporary PolishNorwegian relations. The account of this particular chapter in PolishNorwegian history should be treated primarily as a springboard for broader considerations of the psychology of migration. From this perspective, it will interest a far wider audiencenot just psychologists, but also other social scientists and students researching global social change. Given how rare this type of scholarly reflection is in Poland, the value of this outstanding work is all the greater.
Dr hab. Piotr Szarota (Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences)
Poles are the largest ethnic minority in Norway. According to current statistics, more than 100,000 Polish citizens now reside there. The book centers on the much-debated subject of the Norwegian Child Welfare Services (Barnevernet), an agency tasked with protecting childrens rights, overseeing educational processes, and, when necessary, intervening in family life, which can involve removing a child from their biological parents and placing them in foster care.
Through interviews, the authors seek to uncover the roots of Polish parents fears and resistance toward Barnevernet, as well as the agencys own goals and motivations. They investigate the broader context and working methods of Barnevernet, including its ability to communicate with Polish clients, the professional quality of its staff, and regional variations in its approach.
Of particular interest to both Polish and Norwegian readers are the discussions on Norwegian child-centrism, Polish fears of assimilation, differing approaches to family support, cultural misunderstandings and missteps, and limitations of the Norwegian care model. The book closes with practical recommendations for both Polish newcomers to Norway and for the Norwegian Child Welfare Services itself. In this way, it combines scholarly analysis with real-world relevance.
Dr hab. Barbara Weigl (SWPS University, Wrocław)
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