Experiences of a Mother Whose Child Was Taken Away by the Authorities

Thinking about Dialogue on Childcare Support

Abstract

Purpose: This research aims to describe the experience of a mother whose child was taken away by the authorities because of suspected child abuse and to propose better dialogue and interaction between parents and their supporters.

Method: I conducted 18 months research, including successive interviews and participant observation. I respected her freedom to choose whether to cooperate with me for my research, considered her schedule and health conditions, and took care to maintain her privacy. This research was carried out with the approval of my institutional research ethics committee.

Results: The mother shared that the child welfare servant did not listen to her voice. She was relieved and encouraged when a local welfare commissioner and a childminder spoke on her behalf, as she did not have the strength to explain her situation. She had felt that the public servant had not understood her situation. She wanted the public servant to share her impressions and worries as a mother directly. It was difficult for her to understand her child, and she used to threaten her. She wanted to have someone to help her think of a better way. Furthermore, the mother came to see her former child-rearing behavior reflectively by participating in a parent educational program.

Discussion: To support families that face difficulties in child-rearing, it is important for childcare supporters to take into consideration the feelings of the parents. This way childcare supporters will be able to share open dialogue among families.