Book Chapters by Sinead O'Malley
Mothers Addicted .Working with Complexity
This Chapter in 'Mothering Justice' explores the historical and societal attitudes in relation t... more This Chapter in 'Mothering Justice' explores the historical and societal attitudes in relation to women, mothers and substance misuse. The Chapter highlights the importance of the additional 'layer' motherhood adds to the complexity of working with mothers who misuse substances and the relationship the associated emotions and circumstances can have on the mothers themselves, their children and those who work with them. The chapter again is heavy with user voice and as throughout the book highlights the importance of 'mindfulness' , 'emotional safety' and trauma informed practice.
Peer Reviewed Publications by Sinead O'Malley
Supporting incarcerated mothers in Ireland with their familial relationships; a case for the revival of the social work role
All families need both formal and informal supports throughout their life course. Parents relatio... more All families need both formal and informal supports throughout their life course. Parents relationships with their children need to be promoted, supported and maintained. For parents living with their children and acting as their primary carer this role, although fulfilling, is filled with challenges. At particular points in time and for a variety of reasons parents need to be supported in carrying out this role, striving towards healthy family functioning. For parents where there are additional stressors associated with their relationship with their children. The impact of this can be significant and far reaching for all involved. Incarcerated mothers and their children face particular difficulties in maintaining their relationships and for mothers to ‘perform’ a mothering role. Throughout the stages of childhood, family breakdown and separation from their mother is a traumatic experience for children. This paper considers the current provision within the Irish Prison System for supporting incarcerated mothers in their efforts to maintain relationships with their children and wider family members and highlights the deficits within this. This paper argues the case for reviving the role of supportive social work practitioners to work alongside incarcerated mothers in an effort to retain and realise their parental rights and duties and to maintain relationships with their children.
Review of 'The Incarceration of Women: Punishing Bodies, Breaking Spirits' by Linda Moore and Phil Scarton (2014)
There is a dearth of research on the experience of motherhood
within the Irish prison system. Thi... more There is a dearth of research on the experience of motherhood
within the Irish prison system. This paper considers the specific
issue of facilitating contact between incarcerated mothers and
their children. It is based on a study which explores the views of
practitioners working directly with mothers in prison on how the mother– child relationship is accommodated and supported. Data presented are based on eight one-to-one interviews with participants from within the prison system and with participants working in an external support agency. The research findings highlight examples of good practice within the prison system with a sense that participants endeavour to support this relationship whenever possible. Suggestions for improved practice and the associated resource needs are also discussed. Internationally there are many exemplars of supportive initiatives promoting relationships between incarcerated mothers and their children. Such models and the relevant research and literature are considered in this paper. The paper concludes with reflections on the findings of this study with reference to this literature.
Publications with Prisoners by Sinead O'Malley
Advocating for a social work role for female prisoners in the Irish Prison System (pp. 6-8)
Papers by Sinead O'Malley
Probation Journal, 2016
All families need both formal and informal supports throughout their life course. Parents relatio... more All families need both formal and informal supports throughout their life course. Parents relationships with their children need to be promoted, supported and maintained. For parents living with their children and acting as their primary carer this role, although fulfilling, is filled with challenges. At particular points in time and for a variety of reasons parents need to be supported in carrying out this role, striving towards healthy family functioning. For parents where there are additional stressors associated with their relationship with their children. The impact of this can be significant and far reaching for all involved. Incarcerated mothers and their children face particular difficulties in maintaining their relationships and for mothers to ‘perform’ a mothering role. Throughout the stages of childhood, family breakdown and separation from their mother is a traumatic experience for children. This paper considers the current provision within the Irish Prison System for su...
Book Review: Linda Moore and Phil Scraton The Incarceration of Women: Punishing Bodies, Breaking Spirits
Critical Social Policy, 2016
Motherhood, mothering and the Irish prison system
While there have been some recent reflections on the Irish experience of supporting mothers facin... more While there have been some recent reflections on the Irish experience of supporting mothers facing adversity, there remains a dearth in research exposing the voices of vulnerable and marginalised mothers. This is undoubtedly the case for incarcerated mothers in Ireland. While there has been some recent scholarly and advocacy attention regarding imprisoned women, which by default recognises the challenges faced by imprisoned mothers and their children, this well-intentioned discourse is often based on outdated, estimated or international research. Moreover, it is frequently without the involvement of the mothers themselves nor does it place the maternal voice as central to the journey through the various criminal and social justice systems. Finally, Irelandâs unique catholic history, its representation of Irish motherhood and its distinct child welfare system has not been examined in conjunction with the current formal prison system. Considering this, the aim of this research is to...
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Book Chapters by Sinead O'Malley
Peer Reviewed Publications by Sinead O'Malley
within the Irish prison system. This paper considers the specific
issue of facilitating contact between incarcerated mothers and
their children. It is based on a study which explores the views of
practitioners working directly with mothers in prison on how the mother– child relationship is accommodated and supported. Data presented are based on eight one-to-one interviews with participants from within the prison system and with participants working in an external support agency. The research findings highlight examples of good practice within the prison system with a sense that participants endeavour to support this relationship whenever possible. Suggestions for improved practice and the associated resource needs are also discussed. Internationally there are many exemplars of supportive initiatives promoting relationships between incarcerated mothers and their children. Such models and the relevant research and literature are considered in this paper. The paper concludes with reflections on the findings of this study with reference to this literature.
Publications with Prisoners by Sinead O'Malley
Papers by Sinead O'Malley