Navigating the child welfare system: the role of enhanced parent advocacy supports in child protection

Abstract

Families impacted by the child welfare system can find themselves overwhelmed and lost in agency-driven service planning, with fragmented support and changing needs. This qualitative study explored the role of parent advocates in supporting families during the period between the initial and follow-up child safety conferences. Three domains of support emerged: service-related, concrete, and moral. The findings suggest that these vital supports, delivered by parent advocates to families, not only helped them navigate the system but also enabled them to feel supported, guided, and equipped with the necessary tools to overcome barriers and gain access to needed resources.