Fernandez, Elizabeth, and Thorpe, Ros (2020) Engaging first mothers, fathers and grandparents in the care continuum. In: Fernandez, Elizabeth, and Delfabbro, Paul, (eds.) Child Protection and the Care Continuum: theoretical, empirical and practice insights. Routledge, Abingdon, UK, pp. 300-317.

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Abstract

Out-of-home provides a service to protect the needs of children whose parental care has been considered inadequate or unsafe. Such services have come to be increasing in demand over the last decade, particularly as a result of an escalation in the rates of reported child abuse and neglect and statutory removals of children to protective care. Although parents are usually subject to the interventions of the State, they are now increasingly being recognised as partners or participants in the child protection system who have their own needs and role to play in informing the best outcomes and interventions for vulnerable children (Farmer & Owen 1995; Ivec 2013). This perspective is consistent with a wider interest in participatory and consumer perspectives in both policy as well as child welfare research. However, despite the recognition of the important role and perspectives of birth or First Parents,1 research into this area remains under-developed and in need for further investigation (Harries 2008; Ross et al. 2017; Smithson & Gibson 2017).

This chapter examines current research to understand what is known about the characteristics of birth or First Families; the state of relationships between First Families and their caseworkers; their relationship with those caring for their children and their experiences of contact with their children in care. It also examines the personal impact of being involved in the child protection decisions, and the availability of services to address their needs, particularly in relation to when children are reunified with their Families.

Item ID:	73034
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-0-367-63917-4
Copyright Information:	© 2021 selection and editorial matter, Elizabeth Fernandez and Paul Delfabbro; individual chapters, the contributors.
Date Deposited:	14 Mar 2022 23:52
FoR Codes:	44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4409 Social work > 440902 Counselling, wellbeing and community services @ 100%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2005 Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) > 200509 Women's and maternal health @ 30% 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280123 Expanding knowledge in human society @ 40% 20 HEALTH > 2003 Provision of health and support services > 200302 Community health care @ 30%
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