Maternal health and care proceedings: A mixed-methods approach

In England, child protective services (CPS) can intervene to make decisions about where children live, and with whom, when there are significant concerns about their welfare (i.e., in instances of child abuse, neglect, or concerns around parenting capacity). 

Local authorities have a duty to protect at-risk children, but there are known difficulties in balancing the harms and benefits of such intrusive interventions into family life. Birth mothers involved in care proceedings are likely to have their own complex needs which may predispose them to CPS involvement. Furthermore, evidence strongly suggests maternal health and social care needs are exacerbated by child removal.

For her research, Claire is conducting quantitative analyses of administrative family court and health data, alongside in-depth interviews with birth mothers and a survey of healthcare professionals. Her project will generate ideas around which principles underpin meaningful and appropriate healthcare for women with court involvement, including those at-risk of repeat child removal. 

In this event, Claire will aim to illustrate how a mixed-methods approach has enhanced the quality and meaning of this research and its impact.

This event will be particularly useful for those interested in maternal health, care proceedings in England and Wales, care, life course and mixed-methods.

Please note that this is a hybrid event and can be joined either in-person or virtually.

Related links

• Thomas Coram Research Unit (TCRU)
• TCRU seminar series
• Social Research Institute