The draft child protection bill aims to strengthen children’s rights, to modernise services, and to clarify responsibilities across Iceland’s child protection system. The scope is related to the implementation of the 2025 state–municipality agreement on children with multiple and complex needs, increasing state responsibility for specialised housing and services.
The new bill also suggests a new national child protection council which would replace district councils and the expert team, gaining authority to decide on key measures and assess out-of-home placements.
The bill aims to reinforce children’s independent rights, ensures child-friendly and multidisciplinary procedures, and extends access to spokespersons, healthcare, and education during placements. It also establishes a clearer legal framework for the use of coercion in state-run facilities, responding to Ombudsman’s recommendations , and clarifies the law’s application to children in Iceland without a guardian.
Legislative proposal: Ministry of Education and Children's Affairs Child Protection Bill. Case No. S-224/2025 Published: 13.11.2025 https://island.is/samradsgatt/mal/4109