title: Family engagement in the perinatal period and infant rights.
abstract: The meaning of human rights for children is a contested issue; the notion of rights for unborn babies poses additional complexity. Drawing on data from a prospective case study of a specialist drug and alcohol obstetric provider and the statutory child protection service, this article discusses family engagement within a child-rights framework, and demonstrates how adherence to the "best interests" principle, in the absence of an appropriate service provision, excludes vulnerable mother/infant dyads from drawing on extended family support.
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne.
authors.forename: Menka
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsantefski
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Humphreys
authors.forename: Alun C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Jackson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002651:Child Advocacy; D002669:Child Welfare; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009035:Mothers; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D014739:Victoria; D055815:Young Adult