Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Collaborate with caution: protecting children, helping mothers
Other Titles:	Critical social policy
Authors:	Krane, Julia Davies, Linda
Keywords:	Policy;Child protection;Parenting
Year:	2006
Publisher:	Critical Social Policy Ltd
Citation:	26 (2), 2006
Notes:	General Overview: This Canadian article reviews the child protection context in which women, who are mothers and victims of domestic violence, are called on to act as protectors in response to children at risk. It also explores the invisibility of mothering in the context of domestic violence or battered women’s shelters. Objective: Through a literature review and reference to other research studies, the article explores a need to consider the subjectivity of mothers who are involved with child protection agencies and battered women’s shelters. Discussion: The article looks at how a child protection context makes women invisible or blamed for not protecting their children from child abuse. It examines concepts of child protection and mothering. It discusses how the approach to collaborate with child protection agencies for the safety of children, has failed to address women’s experiences as mothers in both the areas of child protection and domestic violence. Policy directions are suggested. Conclusion: The article argues that neither the areas of child protection nor domestic violence address the subjectivity of women as mothers and as victims of domestic violence. It advocates for a better understanding of women’s experiences of violence and of mothering in order to be more responsive to their needs. It suggests that a more realistic understanding of the stresses of normal mothering be included into policy and practice, and calls for a narrative approach to working with mothers.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/13913
ISSN:	0261-0183
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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