Marie Hatlelid Føleide

Marie Hatlelid Føleide is an Assistant Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy. Her research focuses on children's rights, child welfare systems, and children's participation in legal care proceedings.

Her research interests include social work, child protection, human rights, children's agency, cross-national comparisons of child welfare practices, and the implementation of children's right to be heard. She investigates how children's views are gathered and interpreted by spokespersons and legal actors, particularly in Norway’s indirect participation model. Her work emphasizes qualitative analysis of discourse, procedural justice, and ethical dilemmas in child welfare decision-making.

The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on children’s voices in care proceedings, analyzing conversational practices, constructions of family, and systemic challenges in representing children’s interests. Her research bridges academic inquiry with policy impact, often contributing to legal and administrative reforms.

Marie has contributed to multiple research reports and policy consultations for Norwegian governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs, the Norwegian Research Council, and child welfare directorates. She actively disseminates findings through academic conferences and public engagement.

She is a member of the research group "Everyday Life under Various Life Conditions," which explores lived experiences in vulnerable contexts. Her work supports evidence-based improvements in child welfare practices and strengthens child rights implementation in institutional settings.