It would be interesting to know how much of this is because the same factors which trigger care proceedings are also likely to harm the mother, and how much is because the care proceedings cause the harm. Either way, it's a big number and clearly more support needs to be available.

I think we also have to remember that the care proceedings are there to protect the child, and in theory are already a last resort after support has failed. Though I'm sure there's work to be done to improve that in practice.

[–] Regna@lemmy.world 6 points 4 days ago

First-time mothers whose children go through family court care proceedings in England are 21 times more likely to die within 10 years of having their baby compared with other mothers, a new study by UCL researchers finds.

Amy Van Zyl, Chief Executive of the charity Her Circle, added: “Mothers whose children are subject to care proceedings are extremely vulnerable. Many will already have experienced abuse, violence and significant trauma. However, this is often compounded by the experience of navigating the social care and family court system.

“Child removal through the courts or by social services can be profound. This includes grief, stigma, guilt, loss of identity as a parent and, as these findings strikingly underscore, serious and adverse health consequences.

[–] CrypticCoffee@lemmy.ml -4 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

And dads too? Let's see that death rate for those who went through the family courts. That shit is brutal.

CAFCASS often take accusations from mums as truth without verification.

[–] IAmNorRealTakeYourMeds@lemmy.world 10 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I'm a single dad dealing with family courts and my ex has been denying custody for a month and the courts are slow as fuck and do Jack shit.

I get it.

but this is a study on mother's specifically. instead of complaining go do that study you want instead

[–] CrypticCoffee@lemmy.ml 2 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

The thing that bugs me is how selective the study is. The amount of dads that were broken, took their life or were not far from it, and to pick one small study focussing on how mums were negatively affected by it is galling. It's like studies on the impact of police discrimination faced by white men. Contextually an insane and insulting use of academic funding.

It'll be used to further rebalance the courts further away from shared parenting and the child's right to access both parents which is a UN right and Scandinavia does far better. The experience for fathers is traumatic.

I don't envy you. Keep going, and even when things look bleak, keep going. Things can turn out positive, even against the odds and even with the most biased CAFCASS staff. Not sure it's relevant to you, but I've heard Both Parents Matter (formerly Family's Need Fathers) is an excellent charity for support and advice.

I will say, not everyone can do academic studies. Some don't have the qualifications, or lifestyle situation or credibility to do anything that would be any more than an online blog and with far less impact. It is more than fair for someone to comment on the studies shared. Isn't that what this community is about?