‘I’m just a mother, I’m nothing special, they’re all professionals’: parental advocacy as an aid to parental engagement

This article discusses findings from an evaluation of an advocacy scheme for parents whose children were subject to child protection proceedings including a pilot project where co-operation between parents and professionals was an issue. Three case-studies offer accounts of practices that are gendered and occur against a backdrop of etnic disadvantage. The article suggests that current debates about reform need to recognise the need to support parents to manage intimidating systems