Klease, Chris (2008) Silenced stakeholders: responding to mothers' experiences of the child protection system. Children Australia, 33 (3). pp. 21-28.

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Abstract

While there has been a plethora of international and Australian research and inquiries into child protection and. to a lesser extent, foster care, there is a paucity of Australian research undertaken with the parents of children in care. While these parents are stakeholders in a system that has had a profound effect on their lives, their views are not generally canvassed. This paper discusses key findings of a community welfare Honours study which explored the experiences of six women whose children had been removed into foster care. The paper focuses on two core themes: firstly, the mothers' sense of betrayal when their pleas for help ultimately led to them losing their children, and, secondly, despite the resultant loss, grief and anger, their compulsion to do whatever it takes to have contact with, and to be reunited with, their children. The paper concludes with key messages and recommendations for practice.

Item ID:	6078
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1035-0772
Keywords:	child protection system; foster care; betrayal; loss and grief; natural parents; birth parents
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2010 00:43
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160702 Counselling, Welfare and Community Services @ 100%
SEO Codes:	94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940105 Childrens/Youth Services and Childcare @ 100%
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