How did parents’ interests become the focus of child protection?
As this author suggests, the answer is partly identity politics – groups organized to oppose injustices they are directly affected by.
While this tactic works for many issues, it doesn’t translate well to child welfare. As policy makers increasingly viewed this program through the lens of identity politics, they shifted from protecting children to becoming spokespersons for disadvantaged parents.
Identity politics represents citizens who want equal protection and opportunity under the law.
But children are citizens too. They have their own rights, especially to their lives. The opportunity they deserve is to live out the potential they were born with.
Children’s interests are not always compatible with their parents, and they can’t self-organize.
Child protection should stand up first for them.