Doing the right thing and getting it right: professional perspectives in social work on supporting parents from gender diverse communities.

Trans caring non-binary parenting social care social work support

Journal

International journal of transgender health
ISSN: 2689-5277
Titre abrégé: Int J Transgend Health
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101765532

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
2021
Historique:
entrez: 1 11 2021
pubmed: 2 11 2021
medline: 2 11 2021
Statut: epublish

Résumé

Despite significant shifts in legislative, political, cultural and social contexts, which have improved our understanding of diverse gender identities and family life, this remains under-explored within social work and social care. Trans and non-binary (TNB) parenting experiences are marginalized within mainstream professional practice and action is required to address these inequalities. This study explored the practices and meaning of 'parenting' and 'caring' for care professionals in families with parents with diverse gender identities in the UK. It aimed to capture a snapshot of the current state of practice knowledge and perceived practice challenges. A qualitative study design involving thematic analysis from detailed consultation with twenty-five relevant stakeholders in the proxy roles identified from a systematic review on what is known about trans parenting from the research evidence. The complexity of systems for supporting families creates barriers to change, with a lack of training and development in the knowledge and skills of the workforce. Intersecting these themes was a strong values framework and examples of best practice provided, which social workers can use to navigate, understand, and support TNB parents and their experiences, particularly at an individual level, as a means to effect change. Focusing on human rights, tailoring work to the specific needs of individuals and families, and affirming the diversity of family life requires professionals to take active responsibility and be more accountable in educating themselves and others on these rights. Professionals also need to reach out to the TNB community to include them in improving services as well as being active in their own organizations to ensure these are inclusive and responsive.

Sections du résumé

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND
Despite significant shifts in legislative, political, cultural and social contexts, which have improved our understanding of diverse gender identities and family life, this remains under-explored within social work and social care. Trans and non-binary (TNB) parenting experiences are marginalized within mainstream professional practice and action is required to address these inequalities.
AIMS OBJECTIVE
This study explored the practices and meaning of 'parenting' and 'caring' for care professionals in families with parents with diverse gender identities in the UK. It aimed to capture a snapshot of the current state of practice knowledge and perceived practice challenges.
METHODS METHODS
A qualitative study design involving thematic analysis from detailed consultation with twenty-five relevant stakeholders in the proxy roles identified from a systematic review on what is known about trans parenting from the research evidence.
RESULTS RESULTS
The complexity of systems for supporting families creates barriers to change, with a lack of training and development in the knowledge and skills of the workforce. Intersecting these themes was a strong values framework and examples of best practice provided, which social workers can use to navigate, understand, and support TNB parents and their experiences, particularly at an individual level, as a means to effect change.
DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS
Focusing on human rights, tailoring work to the specific needs of individuals and families, and affirming the diversity of family life requires professionals to take active responsibility and be more accountable in educating themselves and others on these rights. Professionals also need to reach out to the TNB community to include them in improving services as well as being active in their own organizations to ensure these are inclusive and responsive.

Identifiants

pubmed: 34723250
doi: 10.1080/26895269.2020.1831417
pii: 1831417
pmc: PMC8040677
doi:

Types de publication

Journal Article

Langues

eng

Pagination

154-166

Informations de copyright

© 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

The authors declare they have no conflict of interest

Références

Front Psychol. 2020 May 06;11:865
pubmed: 32435224
LGBT Health. 2018 Aug-Sep;5(6):333-340
pubmed: 30059268
Health Soc Care Community. 2019 Sep;27(5):1111-1125
pubmed: 30983067
Transgend Health. 2017 Oct 01;2(1):165-175
pubmed: 29098202
Child Dev. 2014 Mar-Apr;85(2):456-68
pubmed: 24033323
Obstet Med. 2016 Mar;9(1):4-8
pubmed: 27030799
Implement Sci. 2012 Jul 04;7:62
pubmed: 22762242
Syst Rev. 2017 Feb 20;6(1):35
pubmed: 28219417

Auteurs

Trish Hafford-Letchfield (T)

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Social Work and Social Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.

Christine Cocker (C)

Faculty of Social Sciences, Social Work, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.

Deborah Rutter (D)

Faculty of Health and Education, Mental Health and Social Work, Middlesex University, London, UK.

Rebecca Manning (R)

Faculty of Health and Education, Mental Health and Social Work, Middlesex University, London, UK.

Keira McCormack (K)

Faculty of Health and Education, Mental Health and Social Work, Middlesex University, London, UK.

Classifications MeSH