Not at home but always in my heart : the lived experience of mothers who misuse substances and whose children are in care

Abstract

This study examines the lived experience of mothers who misuse substances and whose children were taken into care. This qualitative study employs an interpretative phenomenological approach. The importance for these women to be seen in their role as mothers, the significance of being ‘good parents’, as well as the emotional turmoil and pain experienced when their children were taken in care were some of the themes that emerged as the participants spoke about their experience. Six participants, who were at the time seeking support from a drug addiction community service were interviewed. Findings were interpreted using the attachment perspective. Analysis of the themes revealed how in spite of all adversities, participants strived to be a consistent and stable presence in their children’s life, in the process possibly providing the children with some form of security. At the same time, the participants struggled to be seen and heard and difficulties in relating to social workers involved in the children’s care plan did not necessarily provide the mothers with a safe and secure base from where they themselves could operate to then be in a position to provide security for their own children. Recommendations for future research are provided whilst the systemic perspective was employed to support suggestions for multi-systemic services and policy development to meet the needs of these mothers, their children and any other significant systems in this relationship dynamic.