Many mothers with mental health issues are
caught up in the child protection system and face the prospect
of having their children removed from their care. The aim of
this study was to determine prevalence and outcomes for
mothers with mental health issues and their children in child
maltreatment cases opened for investigation in Canada. The
method was secondary analysis of the Canadian Incidence
Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-2003) core
data. This CIS-2003 contains process and outcome data on a
nationally representative sample of 11,652 child maltreatment
investigations. Maternal mental health issues were
noted in 2,272 (19.7%) cases opened for investigation. The
most common child protection concerns were neglect,
emotional maltreatment and exposure to domestic violence.
A significant association was found between maternal
mental health issues and child maltreatment investigation
outcomes, with many potentially confounding variables held
constant. Broad spectrum, multi-disciplinary services are
needed to support mothers with mental health issues.
Effective mental health care is vital but insufficient.
Addressing trauma, strengthening social relationships and
alleviating poverty are also key. Systemic advocacy is needed
to ensure that mothers with mental health issues can
access broad spectrum supports.