Understanding the Parent Experience in Child Custody Decision-Making: How Social Workers Can Help. Issue 2 (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Archer-Kuhn, Beth
• Is Part Of: Families in society. Volume 100:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 200
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: parent voice -- child custody decision-making -- social work role; Social service -- Periodicals; Social case work -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; Social service -- United States -- Periodicals; Family social work; Social case work; Social service; United States; Periodicals; 362.82097305
• DOI: 10.1177/1044389419825592
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1044-3894

Abstract

Parent perspective and experience is largely absent from the research literature in child custody decision-making, making it challenging for social workers to understand the parent experience. Research often focuses on outcome studies regarding children's adjustment and well-being, with little attention to the parent voice. This article addresses this gap using a phenomenological approach. Eighteen participants were recruited from a mid-sized community in Ontario through the mandatory information program (MIP). In-depth interviews and thematic analysis reveal five themes: (a) redefining role, (b) the importance of agency, (c) shared decision-making, (d) the battleground—barriers to shared decision-making, and (e) complexities involved in shared decision-making. These findings illuminate shared parenting challenges, highlighting the need for family supports and services in navigating challenging post-separation realities.