A focus on fathers with intellectual disabilities and child protection

• Published date: 01 February 2024
• Author: Katarzyna Ćwirynkało,Monika Parchomiuk
• Date: 01 February 2024
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12934

RESEARCH

A focus on fathers with intellectual disabilities and

child protection

Katarzyna



Cwirynkało

1

|Monika Parchomiuk

2

1

Department of Special Education and Social

Rehabilitation, Faculty of Social Sciences,

University of Warmia and Mazury,

Olsztyn, Poland

2

Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Maria

Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland

Correspondence Katarzyna



Cwirynkało,

_

Zołnierska 14, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland.

Email: k.cwirynkalo@uwm.edu.pl

Abstract

Objective: The article presents research findings whose aim

was to understand the lived experiences of fathers with

intellectual disabilities referring to child protection pro-

ceedings they were involved in as fathers and the meanings

ascribed to these experiences.

Background: Parents with intellectual disabilities face a

high risk of having their children removed and being

involved in child protection procedures. The overwhelming

majority of studies focus on mothers. Little do we know

about fathers’perspective.

Method: This study applies a qualitative approach, using

in-depth interviews and interpretative phenomenological

analysis to explore the experiences of 14 fathers with intel-

lectual disabilities who were involved in child protection

procedures concerning their children. To allow a deeper

understanding of the lived experience of the participants, it

includes both fathers who lost custody of their children or

were threatened with loss of custody.

Results: In the process of analysis, four main themes

emerged: (a) adverse experiences, (b) a range of emotions—

between despair and giving up, (c) lack of control, and

(d) advocacy in promoting their own rights.

Conclusion: Fathers with intellectual disabilities reported

being discriminated against on the basis of sex and disabil-

ity in child protection procedures. Nonetheless, they were

determined to fight for their parental rights.

Implications:It is important to focus on gender in research

into parenting by people with intellectual disabilities. This will

create an opportunity to learn about the needs and problems

of mothers and fathers and to provide adequate support.

KEYWORDS

child protection procedures, discrimination, family relations, fathers with

intellectual disabilities, interpretative phenomenological analysis

Received: 1 December 2022Revised: 29 March 2023Accepted: 21 June 2023

DOI: 10.1111/fare.12934

© 2023 National Council on Family Relations.

Family Relations. 2024;73:247–261. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fare 247