“They helped me stand on my own two feet”: Canadian parents with intellectual disabilities in child protection

Abstract

Research on the lived experience of Canadian parents with intellectual disabilities involved in child protection is limited, particularly inclusive research with parents with intellectual disabilities involved in Canada’s changing child protection system. This inclusive study was done in collaboration with a co-researcher with intellectual disabilities who had lived experience as a parent. 13 parents from three Canadian regions participated in semistructured interviews about their involvement in child protection. Four major themes emerged in the findings: 1) key supports that contributed to positive outcomes; 2) parents’ attitudes toward child protection agencies and perceived attitudes about themselves; 3) systemic barriers impacting accessibility and the child protection experience; and 4) parents’ advice to other parents and professionals in child protection. This study provides a promising picture of child protection agencies as a key support despite existing barriers. Implications for social service providers are offered and areas for further exploration are discussed.