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Strengths-Based Approach and Coping Strategies used by Parents Whose Young Children Exhibit Violent Behaviour: Collaboration Between Schools and Parents

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Abstract

This research study explores the strategies adopted by 60 parents of children between 3 and 9 years of age considered to have engaged in violent behaviour, within the meaning of the Safe Schools Act (Ontario Ministry of Education, Canada, 2000). This legal framework requires parents to be involved in the decisions concerning their children. Parents’ perceptions of their involvement lead them to develop coping strategies enabling them to play a more active role in such decision making. This article analyzes their perceptions according to a strengths-based approach and seeks to provide a mediation perspective to social work practice with families.

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Notes

  1. In its Code of Conduct (OME 2000a), the Ontario Ministry of Education emphasizes the importance of active parental involvement. Parents are invited to meet with teaching staff with the aim of shaping a joint intervention plan and to “support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.”

  2. Ritalin is the commercial trade name for methylphenidate hydrochloride, a mild central nervous system stimulant. It is used extensively to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and is also prescribed for narcolepsy.

  3. The poverty level is based on Statistics Canada data of 2000 covering annual pre-tax income; it takes into account the number of family members per household and the location of the home in Canada. For example, in an urban centre of 500,000 or more inhabitants, a three-person household with an annual income of $25,000 CAN ($21,825 US) is considered to be living in poverty. A two-person household with the same revenue would not be classed as such.

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Acknowledgement

The authors wish to acknowledge the financial assistance made available by Justice Canada (through the Crime Prevention Partnership Program of the National Crime Prevention Centre).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University of Ottawa, 1 Stewart Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5

    Marie Drolet

  2. Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Maryse Paquin

  3. School of Social Work, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Magnolia Soutyrine

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  1. Marie Drolet
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  2. Maryse Paquin
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  3. Magnolia Soutyrine
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Correspondence to Marie Drolet.

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Drolet, M., Paquin, M. & Soutyrine, M. Strengths-Based Approach and Coping Strategies used by Parents Whose Young Children Exhibit Violent Behaviour: Collaboration Between Schools and Parents. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 24, 437–453 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-007-0094-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-007-0094-9

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