Safeguarding Families and Rights of Parents with Intellectual Disability Involved in Child Protection

Abstract

The focus of this contribution is on how rights protection officers (RPOs) experience supporting parents with intellectual disabilities involved in child protection investigations. We situate the role of the RPOs within disability human rights framework as well as the institutional justice capital perspective to comprehend how RPOs function as a resource for parents and professionals. We identified four overlapping themes: Altering power relations, Lack of knowledge, Systemic apathy, and Challenging the informal. We argue that pervasive discrimination towards parents with intellectual disability, from the highest levels of government to interactions between parents and the child protection system, inform these interactions and influence outcomes. The work performed by the RPOs in supporting marginalised parents, raising awareness of disability rights, and countering prejudice is of critical importance. We emphasise the role of RPOs within the justice system and recommend the strengthening of such mechanisms to meet international human rights obligations.