Expanding the Engagement Model: The Role of the Specialist Advocate in Supporting Parents With Learning Disabilities in Child Protection Proceedings

Abstract

The quality of the relationship between parents and professionals, during the child protection process, is key to ensuring the welfare of the children involved. This article discusses the role of the specialist crisis advocate when supporting parents with learning disabilities during the child protection process. It provides an insight into the hostile environment of child protection, as discussed by the child protection professionals, and the role of the advocate as a facilitator of positive engagement between the parents and professionals and in supporting improvements in practice.

KEYWORDS:

• family engagement
• workforce issues
• child protection
• parents with learning disabilities

Notes

I would like to thank the advocates and professionals involved in this study.