Parenting in a Glass House: The difference between Public and Private Parenting

Relational Practice: a social work podcast by Jodie Park and Rose Mackey

Episode notes

What happens to parenting when the "private" family unit becomes a "public" system? In this episode, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey explore the "Glass House" of foster care, a space where personal lives are visible to the state and parental autonomy is reshaped by systemic oversight.

We’re moving beyond the media debate to discuss what it really means to be a Public Parent. To succeed, foster carers must embrace a hybrid identity that balances the intimacy of private parenting with the weight of public accountability.

We break down the core tensions that define the foster care experience:

  1. The Surveillance Paradox: Carers are expected to provide a "normal" family life while their every move is monitored by caseworkers and courts.
  2. Systemic Transparency: A realistic view of the role means acknowledging ... 
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Keywords
SocialWorkFosterCarePublicParentingChildWelfare