"During the waiting period, often very little happens and the problem grows"

Silja Dögg Gunnarsdóttir, member of parliament for Framsókn in the South Constituency, said in parliamentary work yesterday that it is evident "that children do not receive assistance in a timely manner, the wait for assessments is far too long, and during the waiting period, very little often happens, and the problem grows. It is urgent that there is more continuity and connection between public service providers, but the situation today is that those who provide services to children do not necessarily communicate with each other. There are instances where certain departments of municipalities do not have formal processes between them, and no one has clearly defined responsibility. If there is no service continuity, the child does not receive as good a service as possible."

"The rights of children and improved services for children and families with children are among the priority issues of the government and are clearly reflected in the government agreement. Recently, Parliament approved a proposal for a parliamentary resolution on an action plan in the field of child protection for four years. It is intended to strengthen the basic processing of child protection cases at the initial stages, promote early intervention, increase cooperation between the state and municipalities, and increase the number of evidence-based interventions. An additional budget of ISK 600 million is planned to build and develop resources and services in this field," said Silja Dögg.

"I want to draw attention to the parliamentary resolution proposal, which I have spoken for and has been sent for consultation by the Welfare Committee, which addresses the right of children to know their origin. It entails that the Minister of Justice will be tasked with drafting laws to guarantee children conceived with donor gametes the independent right to know their biological origin. This is the fifth time Parliament has dealt with the matter. Our neighbouring countries, those with whom we most compare ourselves, have already ensured these rights of children by law, and I hope it is about time we do the same," said Silja Dögg.