Parental engagement in child protection services: A multidimensional, longitudinal and interactive framework. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charest-Belzile, Dorothée; Drapeau, Sylvie; Ivers, Hans
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 116(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Child protection -- Parental engagement -- Strengths-based practices -- Foster care; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105162
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Highlights: This research reveals the possibility to test theorical assumptions about PE in child protection. Relational components are central to the engagement process in the child protection context. Strengths-based practices would favorize the establishment of a high-quality relationship. Such relation would be associate to positive attitudes toward the intervention of CPS. Abstract: Parental engagement in child protective services could contribute to positive outcomes, such as maltreatment rates diminution, parents' therapeutic goals achievement, family reunification following out of home placement and well-being enhancement for both parents and children. Described as an evolving and multidimensional phenomenon, parental engagement entails three interrelated components: (1) parent attitudes toward the intervention, (2) parent-caseworker relationship and (3) parent participation in the intervention process. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of mechanisms underlying the development of parental engagement over the course of a child protection intervention. It establishes longitudinal relations between the three dimensions and precises the role played by caseworkers' practices in the process. Parents from Quebec, Canada (n = 123) having at least one child placed out of home took part to 2 telephonic interviews based on validated questionnaires. Path analysis have been conducted in two steps. Results show high-quality relationship among parents and practitioner predicts more positive attitudes during intervention. Practitioners' practices would also have an effect on collaboration emergence. This research emphasizes the crucial role played by services provider in child protection. To maximize benefits for parents and children, practices promoting engagement and focusing on parent-caseworker collaboration should thus be integrated to training and consider a standard.