‘I’m just a mother, I’m nothing special, they’re all professionals’: parental advocacy as an aid to parental engagement

Featherstone, Brid and Fraser, Claire (2012). ‘I’m just a mother, I’m nothing special, they’re all professionals’: parental advocacy as an aid to parental engagement. Child & Family Social Work, 17(2) pp. 244–253.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00839.x

Abstract

This article discusses findings from an evaluation of an advocacy scheme for parents whose children were subject to child protection proceedings including a pilot project where co-operation between parents and professionals was an issue. Three case-studies offer accounts of practices that are gendered and occur against a backdrop of etnic disadvantage. The article suggests that current debates about reform need to recognise the need to support parents to manage intimidating systems.