Several services in Gjesdal offer parenting guidance and courses. The guidance is adapted to each family and can include topics such as:

• communication and relationships between parents and children 
• understanding children’s development and needs 
• setting boundaries in a positive way 
• handling strong emotions 
• cooperation between parents 
• topics such as substance use and sexual health 

Support can be offered individually, through courses or group sessions. The Family Center (Familiesenter) and The Public Health Center (Helsestasjon) offer courses such as: 

• Tuning into Kids
• Tuning into Teens
• Circle of Security (COS-P)
• Children as next of kin (

The Family Centre offers easy-to-access services for children and youth (0–18 years) and their families. This means you can get help without needing a formal referral. You can contact them if you need support with:

• parenting 
• communication and conflicts in the family 
• concerns about your child’s mental health or well-being 
• challenges related to adolescence, including early substance use 
• situations where children are affected by illness, addiction, or other difficulties in the family 

They can offer:

• conversations with parents, children, or the whole family 
• guidance and support 
• group activities and courses 
• cooperation with other services (with your consent) 

The service is voluntary and free of charge.

Contact information

The Youth Team offers support for youth aged 12–18.

Youth can contact the team directly via phone or social media if they feel sad, stressed, overwhelmed or need someone to talk to. Parents or others can also reach out on behalf of a youth. It is not necessary to go into details when you send a message. The Youth Team has confidentiality. 

The Youth Team also visits schools and is present in the local community in the afternoons and evenings. 

Contact information

PPT supports kindergartens and schools in adapting education for children and youth with different needs. PPT can help if a child has:

• language or communication difficulties 
• learning difficulties 
• challenges with attention or concentration 
• social or emotional difficulties 
• delayed development or disabilities 

Both parents, schools, and kindergartens can request support from PPT.

Contact information

The Child Welfare Service helps ensure that children and youth grow up in safe and supportive environments. The service works together with families and other services to find the best solutions for the child. The goal is to provide help at an early stage.

You can contact the service if you are concerned about a child’s situation at home or their well-being. Support measures can include:

• guidance for parents 
• support at home
• access to kindergarten or after-school care (SFO)
• financial support for participation in leisure activities 

In some cases, more extensive support may be needed, such as foster care or a care institution.

Youth who have received support before the age of 18 may, in some cases, continue to receive support until the age of 25.

Contact information

Gjesdal Municipality offers free Flexid courses for 9th graders that attend Gjesdal ungdomsskole (GUS) who have a cross-cultural background. This course may also be available to the participants’ parents. 

The course focuses on identity, belonging, and understanding different cultural expectations. Through discussions, activities, and role play, participants learn to:

• understand their own experiences 
• handle challenges related to growing up between cultures 
• build confidence and a strong sense of identity 

For any questions, please contact Gjesdal ungdomsskole at +47 51614720.

Overview of measures - Gjesdal