A DEATH TOO SOON: LEARNING FROM THE REFLECTIONS OF PARENTS & WORKERS IN CASES OF CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT DEATHS

Participants needed for Research: I want to help reduce the deaths of children as a result of child abuse and neglect. I believe that asking parents and workers involved in such cases about how things might have been different in their case might provide insight in how to stop these things happening in future cases.

If you are a parent or worker who has been involved in such a case, consider taking part. This is not research that seeks to blame, but research that tries to find out in a non-judgmental way how things could have been different.

If you do take part I will ask you questions in a non-judgmental way such as:

• In retrospect what might have been different?
• Could anything have been done by you or others that may have prevented this tragedy?
• Is there any advice you want to give to other parents and workers that may help avoid these outcomes in other cases?

Participation will involve approximately two-meetings of about 60-90 minutes each. You can stop participating at any time. If you take part, you will be given a choice of where to meet.

If you would like to take part, or find out more information, leave a message at my office (905-525-9140 ext 23791) or e-mail me (dumbrill@mcmaster.ca) and I will get back to you ASAP.

Parents participating will receive a $50.00 honorarium. Workers usually take part in such research as a part of their professional work, but to recognize the fact that this requires them to fit research into extremely busy schedules, a gift will be provided ($50.00 Tim Horton’s or Chapters card) as a token of appreciation.

PARTICIPATION IS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

This study has been reviewed by, and received ethics clearance by the McMaster Research Ethics Board.

Dr. Gary Dumbrill
School of Social Work
Kenneth Taylor Hall 319
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4M4
Phone 905.525.9140 ext 23791
Fax. 905.577.4667
e-mail dumbrill@mcmaster.ca