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(Re) Conceptualizing Neglect: Considering the Overrepresentation of Indigenous Children in Child Welfare Systems in Canada

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  • Johanna Caldwell

    (McGill University)

  • Vandna Sinha

    (University of Colorado)

Abstract

The current overrepresentation of Indigenous children in Canadian child welfare systems continues a history of government policies that have separated Indigenous families over the course of many generations. Political and legal developments in recent years are creating the possibility to both disrupt Indigenous children’s overrepresentation in child welfare proceedings and support Indigenous self-determination in decision-making related to child welfare. However, the potential to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in Canadian child welfare systems is still limited, in part, by the absence of a comprehensive framework for transforming existing child welfare legislation. Because the disproportionate representation of Indigenous children is driven largely by investigations of child neglect, there is particular need for a framework for understanding and shifting away from the current approach to assessing neglect cases. In this article, we examine theoretical and legislative conceptualizations of child neglect in terms of their relationship to the disproportionate involvement of Indigenous children in child welfare across Canada and, more specifically, in Quebec. We also briefly examine the concepts of child well-being and cultural safety which we see as useful complements to the current conceptualization of neglect. Our goal is to support ongoing critical dialogue related to the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in Canada’s child welfare systems, and in so doing contribute to the development of a new framework for understanding and operationalizing “neglect” in Indigenous contexts which at its core could bolster Indigenous self-determination.

Suggested Citation

  • Johanna Caldwell & Vandna Sinha, 2020. "(Re) Conceptualizing Neglect: Considering the Overrepresentation of Indigenous Children in Child Welfare Systems in Canada," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 13(2), pages 481-512, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:13:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s12187-019-09676-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-019-09676-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shlonsky, Aron & Wagner, Dennis, 2005. "The next step: Integrating actuarial risk assessment and clinical judgment into an evidence-based practice framework in CPS case management," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 409-427, April.
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    4. Sinha, Vandna & Ellenbogen, Stephen & Trocmé, Nico, 2013. "Substantiating neglect of first nations and non-aboriginal children," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 2080-2090.
    5. Coohey, Carol & Johnson, Kristen & Renner, Lynette M. & Easton, Scott D., 2013. "Actuarial risk assessment in child protective services: Construction methodology and performance criteria," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 151-161.
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    1. Grégoire-Labrecque, Geneviève & Lafantaisie, Vicky & Trocmé, Nico & Lacharité, Carl & Li, Patricia & Audet, Geneviève & Sullivan, Richard & Ruiz-Casares, Mónica, 2020. "‘Are We Talking as Professionals or as Parents?’ Complementary views on supervisory neglect among professionals working with families in Quebec, Canada," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    2. Quinn, Ashley & Fallon, Barbara & Joh-Carnella, Nicolette & Saint-Girons, Marie, 2022. "The overrepresentation of First Nations children in the Ontario child welfare system: A call for systemic change," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    3. Cullen, Greggory J., 2023. "Examining the risk and predictive factors for substance use and mental health among indigenous youth in out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    4. Waubanascum, Cary & Haight, Wendy & Glesener, David & Day, Priscilla & Bussey, Brenda & Nichols, Karen, 2022. "The center for regional and tribal child welfare studies: Students’ experiences of an Anishinaabe-centered social work education program," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    5. Kimberly Matheson & Ann Seymour & Jyllenna Landry & Katelyn Ventura & Emily Arsenault & Hymie Anisman, 2022. "Canada’s Colonial Genocide of Indigenous Peoples: A Review of the Psychosocial and Neurobiological Processes Linking Trauma and Intergenerational Outcomes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-28, May.

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