The Challenge of Empowerment in Child Protective Services: A Case Study of a Mother with Mental Retardation

This article applies principles of empowerment-oriented practice to interventions with families headed by mothers with mental retardation who come before protective services. Strategies that support empowerment, inclusion, and self-determination are described in a detailed case study, followed by an analysis of the strengths and limitations of practice. Empowerment and advocacy activities, while inherently valuable, are time-consuming and can conflict with the expectations, time frames, and expected outcomes of child protective services. This article concludes with suggestions for social work practice and research to increase knowledge about the experiences of mothers with mental retardation.