Child Welfare in the Faroe Islands
– Information for New Residents

If you have moved to the Faroe Islands from abroad and are living in Tórshavn Municipality, it is important to become informed about the rights and well-being of children and families.

On the website of the Child Protection Agency – see the link below – you will find information about child welfare services in the Faroe Islands, the legal framework, the rights of children, and the responsibilities of parents and public authorities:

👉 Child Protection Service in the Faroe Islands – bvs.fo

Child Protection Agency | Barnaverndarstovan

There is a total of 7 child welfare services in the Faroe Islands. These services are regionally divided and coordinated by the national Child Protection Agency, Barnaverndarstovan (www.bvs.fo). Tórshavn Municipality operates its own local child welfare service, responsible for all children and families within the municipality.

Please note that the Child Welfare Service does not handle applications or placement for daycare or schools. If you need childcare services or want to register your child for school, please contact Snarskivan at the Tórshavn City Office:

📍 Snarskivan, Vaglið 1, 100 Tórshavn
✉️ Email: torshavn@torshavn.fo

About the Child Welfare Service in Tórshavn Municipality

The Child Welfare Service is staffed by social workers, family counselors, and psychologists, as well as management and administrative personnel. The service aims to protect children’s rights, safety, and well-being, and to provide help and guidance to families in difficult situations.

📍 Address: Vaglið 1, 100 Tórshavn
📞 Telephone (weekdays 9–15): +298 30 20 60
📞 Emergency phone (other hours): +298 21 60 12
✉️ Email: barnavernd@torshavn.fo

If you have any questions or concerns regarding a child’s situation, you are always welcome to contact us.

👉 Duty to Notify

According to Faroese law, anyone who has reason to believe that a child is being neglected, abused, or living in conditions that may harm the child has a duty to notify the child welfare service. This applies to both professionals and private individuals. Private individuals can choose to make a report anonymously.

👉 Physical punishment of children is prohibited by law

Children have the right to grow up in a safe environment and be protected from all forms of violence, including at home.

It is important to know that in the Faroe Islands, physical punishment of children is prohibited by law. This includes any form of physical discipline, such as hitting or slapping. Even raising a hand against a child can be considered an act of violence.

In some countries, physical punishment is still allowed or culturally accepted, and not everyone may be aware that it is against the law in the Faroe Islands. This is why it is important to inform all residents about the rules that apply here.

👉 General questions about integration

For general questions about integration in Tórshavn Municipality, you can call or write to Snarskivan and ask for our Integration Coordinator.

✉️ Email: torshavn@torshavn.fo

📞 Telephone (weekdays 9–15): +298 30 20 10

Child Welfare in the Faroe Islands – Information for New Residents