OBJECTIVE: This study focused on Arab mothers from East Jerusalem-an ethnic minority in Israel\'s society, that faces unique challenges-whose children removed from home. The study examines, from the mothers\' perspectives (1) reasons for the removal, and (2) relationships with welfare services.
METHODS: 15 Arab mothers from East Jerusalem, aged 25 to 49 who had at least one child removed through a court order participated in the study. Nine of the mothers were divorced, separated, or widowed.
RESULTS: The mothers described several reasons for their children\'s removal, including domestic violence and lack of support from their own families after leaving abusive husbands, poverty leading to what social services interpreted as neglect, the child\'s challenging behavior, and false accusations. The second theme reveals a lack of cooperation between social workers and the mothers, and social workers\' negative perceptions of the mothers hindering reunification.
CONCLUSIONS: The study sheds light, for the first time as far as we know, on the perspectives of Arab mothers concerning their children\'s removal. Early support could avert removal, and social workers should make greater efforts to promote child reunification. It is paramount that professionals build trust with these mothers, through culturally sensitive and empowering engagement.
目的:这项研究的重点是来自东耶路撒冷的阿拉伯母亲——以色列社会中的一个少数民族,面临着独特的挑战——他们的孩子离家出走。这项研究检查了,从母亲的角度来看(1)移除的原因,(2)与福利服务的关系。
方法:来自东耶路撒冷的15名阿拉伯母亲,25至49岁,通过法院命令至少带走了一个孩子,他们参加了这项研究。九位母亲离婚了,分离,或丧偶。
结果:母亲们描述了孩子被带走的几个原因,包括家庭暴力和离开虐待丈夫后缺乏家人的支持,导致社会服务被解释为忽视的贫困,孩子的挑战性行为,虚假的指控。第二个主题揭示了社会工作者和母亲之间缺乏合作,和社会工作者对母亲阻碍团聚的负面看法。
结论:这项研究揭示了,据我们所知,这是第一次,阿拉伯母亲对子女被驱逐的看法。早期支持可以避免移除,社会工作者应加大力度促进儿童团聚。专业人士与这些母亲建立信任是至关重要的,通过对文化敏感和赋权的参与。