At an extremely sensitive moment in the relations between Romania and Norway generated by the Bodnariu family situation, whose five children were taken by the Norwegian State, an essential step is undertaken by Antena 3.
The petition initiated by Antena 3 to have the Bodnariu children restored to their family has already collected an impressive number of signatures: over 112,000 signatures!
Given this huge emotion, the solidarity of tens of thousands of people, the somewhat belated but still essential involvement of the Romanian diplomacy and of lawmakers in an effort to have the children release, are sure to have an outcome.
We always appreciated Norway's profile as a very solid country economically, we were curious to see who leads a government that supports such large deviations of the institution taking care of the children in the country.
We were quite surprised to see a woman as Prime Minister of Norway. The mother of two children. Erna Solberg is her name. Did this respectable politician and head of government ask herself for a second how it would be like for her children to be taken away and put for adoption to another family?
The Meeting Point will show exclusively show the reply received via Erna Solberg government cabinet office from the Ministry of Child and Family:
Do you know about the huge debate and protests for the Bodnariu family?
We know that this case has been the subject of debate and protests abroad. The Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Directorate of Children, Youth and Family received letters demanding interventions, in addition to several media requests in connection with this case.
Has any authority from Romania asked to have official discussions with the Norwegian government?
The Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion held a meeting with the Romanian ambassador this week. Next week there will be a meeting with the delegation of the Romanian Parliament.
What is your opinion on the Bodnariu case?
I cannot comment on a specific case about child protection nor can the Ministry. The Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion is responsible for the general policy related to child protection, local authorities for child protection are responsible for the way in which they manage individual cases.
Please keep in mind that the Ministry has no authority to intervene or give instructions to local child protection services. Specific cases are subject to a strict confidentiality and only the parties have access to the documents in the dossier.
An impartial committee of local authorities with social responsibilities or the District Court are responsible for issuing an order of protection. These committees cannot receive instructions from abroad.
A protection order is necessary and in the best interests of the child. Placing a child outside his family without parental consent is a measure of last resort. An order of protection is issued only when the child is the subject of serious negligence, ill-treatment or abuse.
I want to emphasize that religious practices as such are not a reason to place the child for adoption without parental consent.
For your information, both the media in Norway and in Romanian have reported that parents were accused of violence against their children.
Best regards,
Elisabeth Johansen
Communication Advisor and Web Editor
The Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion
Department of Communications