This peer review explored the challenges and the good practices in providing both a comprehensive follow-up of low-income families and a better coordination of services (the HOLF-model).

Low income families with children are particularly affected by poverty. According to the latest data in Eurostat, 24.9 % of the children under the age of 18 were still at risk of poverty and social exclusion in 2017 although this number has decreased slightly since its peak at 28.1% in 2012 following the financial crisis (Norway at 16.4% in 2017, increasing from 12 % in 2012).

The starting point of the peer review was the Norwegian HOLF-model, developed to further improve the situation of low-income families. The model focuses on several areas of follow up:

• financial and housing situation of the family
• labour market attachment of parents and
• social inclusion of children.

Furthermore, it includes the introduction of family coordinators and a skills-training programme for social workers.

The Norwegian Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs hosted experts from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Italy, Romania and Spain. In addition, representatives of the European Commission and NGOs, and thematic experts put the topic in the wider context of EU policy.