Staffing and Budget

The office has 12.5 permanent positions and employ one law student on a part time basis. There are currently 15 employees at the office. The budget for 2005 was NOK 8.3 million. The Ombudsman's budget is passed by the Parliament as part of State budget.

In order to reach the general objectives, the Ombudsman's office is now organised in interdisciplinary teams focusing on specific areas:

Influencing and being part of policy making is essential for the Ombudsman. Due to the modern media environment, it is a challenge for the Ombudsman to be present at the public arena and to be part of the public debate.

Information/Dialogue is pertinent to stay in touch with children and youth, from whom the office acquires its real mandate. The communication tools employed by the Ombudsman are fundamental in order to change and improve legislation concerning children.

Individual cases, law proposals, professional advice
A considerable part of the enquiries to our office are regarding children's procedural rights when subject to legislative matters, court or administrative decisions. Most enquiries are referred to competent offices when possible, especially complaints in singular cases. The Ombudsman reserves his primary capacities for cases of significant principal value. These individual cases provide guidelines for the Ombudsman for monitoring children's rights in practice as well as highlighting areas that need change of legislation. The staff also gives more personal advice on how to best take care of children and how to highlight the best interest of the child under potentially stressful circumstances.

The Ombudsman office is an active participant in both national and regional hearings/consultations concerning children's rights. The Ombudsman has also continued to work as an ambassador for various projects to show the media and the public a diverse picture of children's lives in Norway.

Mr Reidar Hjermann commenced his first period as Ombudsman in April 2004.