Indigenous mothers’ experiences of power and control in child welfare

Families being heard

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21721473
AutoresSuzanne C Robertson (University of Manitoba), Carey Sinclair (Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. (Ndinawe), Winnipeg, Canada), A R Hatala (0000-0002-8063-5852, University of Manitoba, autor de correspondencia)
Año2022
Volumen22
Número2
Páginas303-322
Fecha de publicación2022-03-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Social Work (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1468-0173 • E-ISSN: 1741-296X
EditorialSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/14680173211009187
OpenAlexW3168954333
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas8
Referencias citadas10

There are upward of 11,000 Indigenous children and families in the Manitoba Child and Family Services (CFSs). Many factors coalesce as contributors to these high rates of care, including oppressive histories of Canadian settler colonialism, governmental policies and the Indian Residential Schools, and mass apprehensions of Indigenous children through “the 60’s scoop.” Although a process of “Devolution” began in Manitoba in 1999 to address Indigenous overrepresentation and improve cultural safety for children and families, the voices of women whose children are in care often remain silenced and marginal. Findings Utilizing an Indigenous Research lens, this qualitative study explored the stories and experiences of 12 Indigenous mothers involved with Manitoba CFS. The mothers’ stories revealed dynamics of power and control outlined in five core themes: (1) Being “set up to fail”; (2) Confronting “normalcy” and navigating case plans; (3) Dealing with tactics of intimidation; (4) Experiencing judgment and being labelled; and (5) Emotional politics. The mothers’ stories suggest that the CFS system continues to reflect colonial structures of oppression and that the “Devolution” did not fully have the intended impact on daily practice. Applications The womens' shared experiences highlight several areas for change, such as: enhanced family supports and worker relationships; utilization of capacity building frameworks; better institutional collaborations; increased efforts to maintain family relationships and units; and greater access to and quality of Indigenous cultural supports for mothers and children, including ceremony, healing, and access to Elders. Suggestions for more efficient and family-centered service provision are also offered

Child protection · Colonialism · Indigenous · Oppression · Participatory action research · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Welfare · Child Welfare and Adoption · Gender Studies · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Law · Medicine · Nursing · Social Work Education and Practice