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Citation |
Johnson SP, Sullivan CM. Affilia 2008; 23(3): 242-258. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2008, SAGE Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
This study explored battered mothers' perceptions of their interactions with child protective services (CPS) workers to increase understanding about how child welfare workers and policies can have negative as well as positive impacts on women's and children's lives. Th research was guided by two feminist frameworks: structured action theory and social entrapment theory. Twenty women participated in the in-depth, qualitative interviews. Most felt mi understood and unsupported by their CPS workers and thought that this treatment directly harmed them and their children. Many batterers manipulated caseworkers and escaped sanctions, which contributed to negative consequences. Some women received helpful response from their caseworkers and viewed such support as invaluable. Implications for social work practice are discussed. |