Mothering Justice :Working with Mothers in Social & Criminal Justice Settings.

Abstract

This book brings together a range of practitioner and user voice from a wide range of social and criminal justice settings in order to explore their relationship with mothers. The book explores how the status of 'mother' and the role of 'mothering' intertwines betwixt practitioner relationships , indeed whether it is the focus of the 'intervention' or not - it will have relevence. This book aims to assist in understanding the significance and impact of motherhood in relation to engagement, desistance and reflective practice. The book highlights the complexities of the lived experiences of many women and mothers in the criminal justice system and explores how trauma infromed practice can facilitate effective practice in terms of positive intervention and positive user experiences for mothers. The book is heavy with users voices and experiences via the use of case studies embedded in every chapter - further exploration is encouraged via 'pauses for thought' which ask the reader to explore and develop in terms of critical thinking and empathic experiences. Perspectives included in the book are from prison - which includes prison officer, prison psychotherapist, prison midwife; police, courts, substance Misuse, mental health and Social Worker. The book concludes with proposals for positive change in relation to working with mothers in social and criminal justice settings .