Practice implications of phenomenological research with substance-using parents whose children were subject to social care interventions
Drugs, Habits and Social Policy
ISSN: 2752-6739
Article publication date: 27 February 2023
Issue publication date: 1 March 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to reflect on ways that the experiences of vulnerable users of drug and alcohol services can inform social work practice and policy to improve treatment engagement and mitigate negative responses to interventions.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used semi-structured interviews and photovoice in an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of people in treatment for drug or alcohol problems whose child was the subject of a Child Protection or Child in Need order.
Findings
The research gave insights into participants’ experiences of loss of control, unfairness and stigma. Participants described how they felt powerless in the social services system and were afraid to be open and honest with practitioners for fear of having their children removed.
Practical implications
The research highlighted the need for more training and professional development for social work practitioners to address power imbalance issues, and the need to promote non-threatening professional practice that removes penalties for disclosure of substance use, enabling substance users who are parents to be more honest about their drug use.
Social implications
The research showed the value of phenomenological methods for investigating sensitive issues with vulnerable users of treatment services in a way that can inform policy and practice.
Originality/value
This paper explores ways that phenomenological research with vulnerable, hard-to-reach participants can produce insights about the potential benefits of social work practice that is non-threatening and encourages greater openness and honesty among substance users who are parents.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The study protocols were approved by the Psychology Research Ethics Committee, University of Derby. The authors are grateful to all the study participants for their time and effort, and to everyone who helped to make the study possible. The authors are also grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on an earlier draft.
Citation
Goddard, K., Montague, J. and Elander, J. (2023), "Practice implications of phenomenological research with substance-using parents whose children were subject to social care interventions", Drugs, Habits and Social Policy, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 53-67. https://doi.org/10.1108/DHS-08-2021-0043
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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