Using critical discourse analysis of child protection proceedings, this study examines how the psychiatric construct of “insight” is used to justify family separation, particularly affecting mothers of color and parents with disabilities. We show how this ambiguous construct enables state intervention even when parents meet all behavioral requirements.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
Upon completion, the participant will be able to explain how the concept of "insight" is constructed and mobilized in child protection cases, particularly in ways that reinforce systemic inequities related to gender, race, and ability.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to apply disability justice frameworks to critique how mental health assessments in child welfare can reinforce systemic inequities and justify family separation.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to identify strategies for reforming social work practice and education to challenge the use of ambiguous psychiatric constructs that disproportionately impact parents at the intersections of disability, race, and gender.
