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Social Services for Inmates

In Brief

Inmates have the right to apply for social services on an equal basis with other residents of the municipality.

Description

Inmates can apply to the social services in the municipality where they resided before incarceration for financial social assistance and other services. It is expected that they first check whether the correctional services can cover their needs. Family members may have their travel expenses covered for prison visits if they do not have the financial means to cover the costs themselves. Upon release, individuals can apply for services in the municipality where they choose to reside. The services may include financial counseling and support for expenses such as:

  • clothing
  • glasses and other assistive devices
  • dental care
  • food and lodging during temporary leave
Upon release, social services can provide:
  • clothing and shoes
  • temporary housing
  • assistance in securing permanent housing

Criteria

Services are granted based on an individual assessment.

Regulations

This is a legally mandated service. See in particular:
  • Barnevernsloven Kapittel 3 Hjelpetiltak
  • Sosialtjenesteloven §§ 17, 18 og 19
  • Lov om kommunenes ansvar på det boligsosiale feltet.

Laws

Practical Information

Guidance - how to obtain or receive the service

You can contact the municipality where you lived before your arrest. If you did not reside in Norway at the time of your arrest, you can contact the municipality where you were detained.

Case Processing

A decision will be made regarding your application. The decision will indicate whether you have been granted the service and what the service includes.

Processing Time

The municipality is obligated to process the case as soon as possible. If the case cannot be decided within one month, you must receive a written explanation of the delay and an estimated timeline for when a decision will be made.

Right to Appeal

You can appeal the decision within three weeks of receiving it. The appeal should be sent to the authority that made the initial decision. In your appeal, specify what you want to be changed and provide a justification. The municipality can assist with guidance. The appeal authority is the County Governor (Statsforvalteren). Before the appeal is forwarded, the municipal authority that made the decision will reassess whether there are grounds to change it.


2025 KF (Kommuneforlaget AS), Oslo, KF Tjenestekatalog.
Tjenestebeskrivelsene i KF Tjenestekatalog viser lovpålagte kommunale tjenester til innbyggere og næring. Beskrivelsene blir oppdatert fortløpende ved endringer i lover og sentrale forskrifter.
Tjenestebeskrivelsen er automatisk oppdatert 27.02.2025

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