Rees researchers contribute to international book on infant removal at birth

Senior Research Fellow Bachar Alrouh and Professor Emeritus Harriet Ward are contributing to the chapter; Parents in recurrent care proceedings: Gender bias, institutional stigma, and cumulative trauma.

The chapter examines how parents who have previously experienced care proceedings can face entrenched stigma and significant barriers when expecting another child, alongside the cumulative trauma associated with repeated removals at birth.

It also highlights the importance of trauma informed and gender sensitive approaches that better support families while safeguarding infants.

Bachar said: “This collection brings together international evidence showing that decisions about infant removal at birth cannot be separated from wider questions of poverty, trauma, inequality, and access to support.

“Our chapter highlights the importance of approaches that are both evidence informed and humane, recognising the long term impact that recurrent care proceedings can have on parents and families.”

The book, Born into care: International perspectives on the removal of babies at birth, also showcases innovative approaches and alternatives to current child protection systems, while calling for reforms that balance infant safety with the legal and human rights of parents and families.

The book will be launched during the Centre for Child and Family Justice Research Webinar on 10 June.

The launch webinar will feature contributions from authors across a range of international contexts, alongside a discussion of progressive alternatives to current care proceedings at birth.

To join the launch, register here.