Convergent identities, compounded risk: Intersectionality and parenting capacity assessment for disabled children

Abstract

Recent international literature review identified an immense lack of publications on parenting capacity assessment and childhood disability. This is problematic given the established and substantially higher risk of neglect and abuse that disabled children encounter. This heightened risk is also compounded by multiple barriers to effective professional safeguarding practice. This paper particularly focuses on one complex aspect of these capacity assessments. Specifically, the convergence of identities such as gender, ethnicity and disability are considered through an intersectionality lens rather than dealing with these identities in a separate way. Specifically, Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality is applied to existing research evidence to derive themes. These themes are presented in the paper as a means of informing critical thinking, for practitioners seeking to address convergent identities, within existing parenting capacity assessment frameworks and disability supplemental tools.