Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-2807-0866
Abstract
Existing research alludes to complex inequalities within child protection systems for disabled children and disabled parents. An established risk of maltreatment that is higher for disabled children than for majority population peers converges with intersecting inequalities in the child protection arena. These include discrepancies around professional responses and service outcomes. Practice shortcomings, under-resourcing, practical impasses and knowledge deficits are also an enduring concern. Further, inequalities in child protection service outcomes and involvement for intellectually disabled parents are well documented. Thus, child protection and welfare casework with disabled children and disabled parents is fraught with complexities. This is due to the individuality of each child and parent and their changing environments and circumstances. Therein, disability is a label that encapsulates a vast constellation of diverse lived experiences and needs. As such, the intention is not to grasp at the granular detail of this complex and contested space, but rather to pan out toward achieving a higher-level anti-oppressive perspective. To undertake this work, Clifford’s (1995) conceptual principles of anti-oppressive theory, are critically applied. Respectively, these refer to: Social difference, geographic and historical location, power, mutual involvement and reflexivity, and linking political and personal life. Insights are gathered toward pathways to challenge inequality and envision a fairer distribution of power within child protection work. It is concluded that socially just, disability sensitive approaches to disabled children and their families are of utmost urgency in the power-saturated child protection sphere.
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Recommended Citation
Flynn, Susan Dr
(2025)
"Child Protection and Disability: An Anti-Oppressive Reading,"
Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies:
Vol. 25:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
Available at:
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/ijass/vol25/iss2/1