upEND Podcast: What About Disabled Parents? (with Dr. Robyn Powell)

This episode was created by upEND.

The family policing system considers parents with mental health issues and other disabilities to be an inherent threat to their children. We reject that premise. 

Because of ableism, the legacy of eugenics, and the violence of poverty, disabled parents face a high risk of separation by the family policing system. 

In this episode, Dr. Robyn Powell discusses how the child welfare system weaponizes the idea of “predictive neglect” to discriminate against parents with disabilities and further enshrine stigma around mental health. 

How can we build a future where disabled families are supported through care, community, and trust—not surveillance and punishment?