Able or unable: how do professionals determine the parenting capacity of mothers with intellectual disabilities

ABSTRACT

Within the context of the child welfare court, parenting capacity assessments are heavily relied upon to make decisions in the lives of families headed by parents with intellectual disabilities. However, little is known about the specific data that is included in these reports. The first aim of this study was to identify the data that underpins the conclusions and recommendations within parenting capacity reports. The second aim was to compare the sections of these reports from child welfare organizations and specialized intellectual disabilities service agencies. The results of this study indicate that child welfare reports usually conclude that the parent lacks the capacity to raise their children. Conversely, reports that were completed by specialized intellectual disabilities services identified that with appropriate support, parenting capacity was adequate. The results of this study have implications for assessment guidelines and system capacity initiatives to improve the quality of life of families headed by parents with ID.

KEYWORDS:

• Parenting
• capacity assessment
• parents with intellectual disabilities

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marjorie Aunos

Marjorie Aunos, Ph.D. is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the field of parents and parenting by persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Applied Disability Studies at Brock University.

Laura Pacheco

Laura Pacheco, MSW, Ph.D. is a social worker and coordinator of a parenting service that offers specialized support for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is a lecturer at McGill University.