The experience of parents of children in care: The human rights issue

Journal article

Ainsworth, Frank and Hansen, Patricia. (2011). The experience of parents of children in care: The human rights issue. Child and Youth Services. 32(1), pp. 9 - 18. https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2011.553578
AuthorsAinsworth, Frank and Hansen, Patricia
Abstract

There is a growing body of international literature about birth parents' negative experience of child protection services. This article reviews some of this literature and adds recent Australian materials to it. It is then argued that the over-reliance on “the best interest of the child” construct is the base from which these negative experiences emanate. The argument is that in adopting this construct parents' rights have been removed in favor of children's rights. This violates parents' human rights. Such an approach lacks balance, as human rights are inalienable and cannot be the exclusive property of only one party.

Keywordshuman rights; parents' rights; risk of harm; the best interests of the child
Year2011
JournalChild and Youth Services
Journal citation32 (1), pp. 9 - 18
PublisherRoutledge
ISSN0145-935X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2011.553578
Scopus EID2-s2.0-79952784680
Page range9 - 18
Research GroupSchool of Allied Health
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited States of America
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