In 1981, the Norwegian parliament established an Ombudsman for Children to promote children's interests. This book describes the ombudsman's efforts to serve children, both in the past and the present, in 6 chapters. In Chapter One, a brief history of changes in families, children and society in Norway in the twentieth century is followed by details on the background and establishment of the office of the Ombudsman for Children. Chapter Two introduces the philosophy of, and the public relations techniques used by, the ombudsman. In Chapter Three, the types of complaints received by the Ombudsman are described. Complaints fell into the broad categories of: (1) children in uncommon circumstances; (2) child care and leisure time facilities; (3) school problems; (4) culture and consumer issues; (5) the family situation; and (6) children and planning. Chapter Four examines the effects of the work of the ombudsman on children and society 8 years after the office's establishment. Chapter Five evaluates the effectiveness of the ombudsman and considers alternative ways for ombudsmen to work. The final chapter offers a detailed examination of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. A 40-item bibliography is provided. Four appendices include a copy of the Ombudsman for Children Act; results of a 1989 poll regarding the Ombudsman; a list of hearings on children's issues between 1982 and 1989; and a pamphlet on children's rights and responsibilities. (BC)