http://fusion.net/story/185218/nora-mccarthy-rise-magazine-parents-accused-of-neglect/
This article describes a publication, "Rise", that gives a voice to over 200 parents in the child welfare system by writing their stories and life experiences. "Rise", is a group that publishes a tri-annual print and online magazine by and for parents in the child welfare system. Nora McCarthy is the founder of "Rise". She provides a safe space for parents in the system to write about the process of getting a child back, reunification, experiences with child welfare caseworkers, and more. "Rise", is an empowering outlet for parents involved in the child welfare system to connect with each other through writing. McCarthy is a proponent that their is therapeutic value in the process of writing.
McCarthy has administered writing workshops to parents accused of abuse or neglect. "Rise" has given about 200 parents a voice, about one man for every ten women, and parents as young as 17. McCarthy states that the process is slow and methodical, writing one story usually takes 16 weeks.
The article highlights some of the magazines writers and advocates. Jeanette Vega, was a single teenage parent in the Bronx when she was arrested and sent to jail for hitting her two-year-old son with a belt. Vega didn't understand what went wrong because as a child she was brutally punished all of the time. She states that writing helped her to cope with the situation.
The stories that are written for "Rise" are also shared with child welfare workers and policymakers, so that these groups can better understand the effects of their involvement. Parents are also given a safe space to connect with other parents going through similar situations. One mother explained that telling her story helped her make sense of what her family had been through, and gave her a sense of purpose, because she felt like she was helping other parents in the system.
The magazine helps to break down stereotypes of what society views parents who are involved in the child welfare system. "Rise" gives parents a voice and a purpose for telling their story. The magazine has had a great impact on the parents writing stories and families reading their stories. It has also given an new perspective to caseworkers and policymakers, as to what parents are experiencing when interacting with the child welfare system.
This is really a neat article that you have found Chloe! Since I've started the MSW program, I've learned that there is much significance to giving the populations we work with a true voice. I think it is very powerful and can have the most impact when people in a like-minded community can share their stories and support each other. When I think about how this can tie into social work, I believe that our roles as advocates and people who empower can continue to encourage outlets like "Rise" to exist.
ReplyDeleteIve never heard of this but I think it is an awesome idea!! I think of support groups. People coming together that are experiencing the same things to make them not feel like they are the only ones going through that. This magazine I feel would be like support groups. Sharing stories of how the parents feel, what they are going through, etc, is great for all parents involved in the system.
ReplyDelete