Mother’s Experiences with Child Protection Services: Using qualitative feminist poststructuralism

Study description: The postpartum period is often portrayed as a blissful, calm, and loving time when mothers, partners, and family members bond with their newborn babies. However, this time may be difficult and traumatizing when mothers are monitored by Child Protection Services (CPS). Mothers involved with CPS encounter higher incidences of postpartum stressors, poverty, mental illness, and substance dependency, and thus require more specialized support and information to help them transition to parenthood. Yet, little has been heard from the perspective of mothers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of mothers and how they obtained postpartum information and support. Participants in one focus group shared stories about their involvement with CPS and family resource centres (FRC).

Publication (s):

Aston M, Price S, Paynter M, Sim M, Monaghan J, Jefferies K, Ollivier R. Mothers' Experiences with Child Protection Services: Using Qualitative Feminist Poststructuralism. Nurs Rep. 2021 Nov 15;11(4):913-928. doi: 10.3390/nursrep11040084. PMID: 34968278; PMCID: PMC8715453.