The Ombudsman for Children in Norway is charged with promoting the interests of children in both the public and private spheres, and with paying close attention to changes in the conditions of childhood development. The Act, relating to the Ombudsman for Children in Norway was adopted in 1981, and the first such ombudsman in the world was appointed the same year. The office of the ombudsman may initiate action on its own or respond to issues referred by others.