Maternal disability and newborn discharge to child protective services (CPS): A mixed-methods study

As many as one in 8 pregnancies are to women with disabilities, including physical, sensory, and developmental disabilities. These women often face negative attitudes and assumptions by others about their parenting abilities and are at risk of Child Protective Service (CPS) involvement. This project aims to characterize CPS involvement experienced by women with disabilities in pregnancy and shortly after delivery. The project will use routinely collected administrative health data to estimate the risks of newborn discharge to CPS among mothers with versus without disabilities. Previously collected interview data with mothers with disabilities will also be analysed to understand how CPS involvement in pregnancy and shortly after delivery impacts their experiences of perinatal health care. Many mother-infant separations are preventable through targeted and timely intervention. This study will generate data to inform accessible, tailored services and supports for mothers with disabilities at risk of CPS involvement in the perinatal period.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hilary Brown

Student:

Partner:

University College London

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: