Indigenous Women’s Experiences with Child Protection at Their Child’s Birth

Abstract

This article explores the experiences of Indigenous women who come into contact with child welfare at the birth of their child. The purpose of this research is to provide a voice to Indigenous women regarding their experiences and to gain insight into the measures that could be taken to improve the way they are supported by child welfare systems. Five Indigenous women in Northern British Columbia (BC), Canada, were interviewed. Findings revealed eight themes: The impact of child welfare involvement; a structural power imbalance; addictions; socioeconomic struggles; missed preventative opportunities; the role of advocacy; identity and culture; and bonding.

Keywords:

• Indigenous
• child welfare
• parents

Disclosure Statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katelynn Buchner

Katelynn Buchner is a practicing social worker with Nezul be Hunuyeh Child and Family Services Society, a delegated Aboriginal child welfare agency in Northern British Columbia.

Tammy Pearson

Tammy Pearson was a child welfare social worker for ten years. She is now an Assistant Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia. Her research interests include child welfare practice, mental health, and family violence.

Susan Burke

Susan Burke was a child welfare social worker for twenty years. She is now an Associate Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia. Her research interests include kinship care, child welfare practice and Indigenous peoples, and social work education. Correspondence to: Susan Burke, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada USA, E-mail: [email protected]