Parental Perspectives on Upholding Children’s Rights in the Context of Aggression toward Family/Caregivers in Childhood & Adolescence (AFCCA) in Canada

Abstract

Aggression toward family/caregivers in childhood and adolescence (AFCCA) is a serious societal concern, yet it remains an under-researched area in Canada. Since existing studies elsewhere have focused primarily on its prevalence, risk factors and impacts, the child rights and family systems implications are less understood. This qualitative pilot study explored Canadian adoptive, kinship and customary caregivers’ considerations of their child’s rights to support and to be heard as they navigated the challenging context of their child’s aggressive behaviour towards them and other family members. The findings from interviews with 18 caregivers indicate that parental approaches were child-centred and trauma-informed as they sought to attend to the best interests of all children affected by AFCCA in their home. The results demonstrate the need for greater acknowledgment of AFCCA from a child rights perspective, and for comprehensive and non-biased family support services in order to fully meet the needs of all AFCCA-affected children and youth.