Papers by Shazeeda Haroon
This paper presents the findings from an analysis of documents contained in a child welfare agenc... more This paper presents the findings from an analysis of documents contained in a child welfare agency's case file. The goal of this study was to deconstruct standard documentation with child welfare in Ontario. Namely the Comprehensive Assessment tool, used to assess the risk of abuse and prevent future harm to children. The purpose of this inquiry was to determine the impact that documentation practices have on female clients who were involved with abusive partners and child welfare services. Moreover, female clients were constructed through the documentation in a way that re-victimized them. The methodology for carrying out this inquiry was institutional ethnography, which seeks to uncover how texts are used to legitimize social relations, organizational mandates, institutional procedures and public policy; commonly referred to as a textual analysis. Findings indicate that women are re-victimized through the use of power and control by child welfare workers; that they become the principal point of intervention and are held accountable for the protection of children. There are several recommendations arising from this study, to be implemented at both the frontline and policy levels, including more specific domestic violence training and an examination of the theoretical paradigms that currently inform child welfare work.
Parental alienation is a complex and emotionally charged phenomenon that can severely disrupt the... more Parental alienation is a complex and emotionally charged phenomenon that can severely disrupt the parent-child bond, often arising in the context of high-conflict separations or custody disputes. This article explores the psychological impact of alienation on both children and parents, emphasizing the long-term consequences for attachment, identity, and emotional development. Drawing on trauma-informed principles and attachment theory, the article outlines therapeutic approaches to family reunification, including narrative repair and structured communication. It also addresses the ethical and clinical challenges therapists face when working with alienated families, such as resistance, triangulation, and legal involvement. Through a case example, the article highlights the potential for healing and reconnection, offering guidance for clinicians seeking to support families on the path toward restored relationships and emotional safety.
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Papers by Shazeeda Haroon