Discussion Guide

Rise stories can help you start discussions in support groups and parenting classes. If you are a parent advocate or work with parents in a group setting, have your group read the story out loud and use the questions below to guide a discussion.

July 2008 Story:
No Recourse by Mary Kelly Broderick

SUMMMARY:
When Mary’s family was investigated for abuse, she and her husband were required to live apart from their children for 43 days before the accusations against them were dropped. Mary advocated for her children despite her fear and eventually joined a lawsuit brought by parents against the system to try to stop unwarranted separations.

DISCUSSION:
Begin by asking the group’s general impression of what they read. How did the story affect them? What stood out for them the most? From their responses, you can lead the discussion where parents are interested in taking it.

Here are some questions you might pose to your group:

• When the Illinois foster care system (DCFS) investigated her family, Mary felt terrified and angry inside but acted assertive and proactive on the outside. How have you felt on the inside while dealing with the child welfare system? How do you try to act on the outside in order to handle your case?

• Mary is a strong advocate for her family and all families. What steps has she taken to advocate for her family? What steps have you taken to advocate for your family?

• The Illinois parents and lawyers who together sued the child welfare system tried to force the system to stop separated parents and children without giving families a way to fight the separations in court. What did they achieve through their lawsuit? What victories were they unable to achieve? What do you think about their efforts?

• Mary is now on the Board of Directors of an organization that advocates for justice for families involved in the child welfare system. Is there an advocacy organization for parents in your area? What allies do parents have where you live? Who have you turned to for support? In what ways could you be a support for other parents?

Finally, the group can discuss what they learned from the story and what parts they related to the most. What steps or insights that Mary describes surprise them or might help them through similar situations?

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