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First Nations parenting and child reunification: Identifying strengths, barriers, and community needs within the child welfare system
Author(s) -
Toombs Elaine,
Drawson Alexandra S.,
Bobinski Tina,
Dixon John,
Mushquash Christopher J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
child and family social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-2206
pISSN - 1356-7500
DOI - 10.1111/cfs.12430
Subject(s) - empowerment , child protection , welfare , thematic analysis , family reunification , intervention (counseling) , participatory action research , mental health , nursing , service delivery framework , service (business) , grounded theory , public relations , psychology , qualitative research , economic growth , medicine , political science , sociology , psychiatry , business , social science , marketing , immigration , law , economics
First Nations communities are seeking to improve current service delivery models and create alternative evidence‐based strategies. A First Nations child welfare organization has prioritized further understanding of reunification and parenting, including identification of successes and barriers to reunification, and service needs within communities. These priorities were addressed with a community‐based participatory research model and guided by a Research Advisory. Results were analysed using a blend of grounded theory and thematic analysis techniques. Participants indicated that placing children with extended family or within home communities facilitate best child outcomes. These reunifications could be increased by promoting parental and community capacity. Successes identified within communities included available supports, such as those that increased empowerment and community capacity. Identified barriers within communities were the lack of culturally appropriate services, hesitancy to obtain available support due to fears of child welfare intervention, and mental health difficulties of community member.