Ólöf Ásta Farestveit, the director of the newly established Barna- og fjölskyldustofa (Child and Family Agency), has stated that the child protection system in Iceland has undergone significant changes since the dissolution of the Child Protection Agency in 2021. This reform was partly in response to past failures in child welfare, as highlighted by a recent incident involving allegations of abuse at a foster home known as Bakkakot. Farestveit emphasized that cases similar to Bakkakotsmálið should be appropriately addressed within the current system, underscoring the agency's supervisory role over children in foster care.

The recent interview with Bragi Guðbrandsson, former head of the Child Protection Agency during the Bakkakot incident, has ignited public outcry as he claimed to have been unaware of the existence of the troubled foster home. This statement has raised serious questions about accountability in the child protection system, prompting calls for greater oversight and improved communication between agencies. Farestveit underscored the importance of transitioning from past practices to a more responsive and vigilant system that prioritizes child safety.

Overall, the discussion surrounding the Bakkakotsmálið signifies a critical examination of Iceland's child welfare infrastructure and reflects a broader societal concern about the protection of vulnerable children. As the new agency strives to rebuild trust and effectiveness in child safeguarding, the highlight remains on the need to learn from past mistakes and ensure comprehensive monitoring of foster care arrangements.