Child Welfare Cases

The Faroese Board of Appeal makes decisions based on recommendations from child welfare services throughout the country. For example, a child welfare service may submit a recommendation for the removal of custody from a parent. The Board of Appeal reviews the recommendation and then makes a decision in the case. The parties involved – or their representatives – are given the opportunity to attend a meeting to present their views.

The Faroese Board of Appeal makes decisions in cases concerning:

• Transfer of custody
• Contact and visitation rights
• Family treatment at institutions run by the state
• Day or residential care offers at state-run institutions where consent has not been obtained from the holder of parental authority or a child over the age of 15
• The right to free legal representation in the above-mentioned cases

Legal Basis

The activities of the Faroese Board of Appeal are governed by Parliamentary Act No. 147 of 25 November 2021 on the Faroese Board of Appeal and Executive Order No. 161 of 14 December 2021 on the Rules of Procedure for the Faroese Board of Appeal

Relevant Considerations

Parties to the case may appeal a decision of the Faroese Board of Appeal to the Faroese Court. The deadline for lodging an appeal is 8 weeks after the parties have received the Board’s decision.

Appeals to the Faroese Court must be sent to: 

Føroya Kærustovnur
Undir Hornabakka
Postboks 45
110 Tórshavn

or by email to: fks@fks.fo