The lived experiences of same-sex adoptive parents in N.I (V.1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the lived experiences of same-sex adoptive parents in Northern Ireland, from initial enquiry to placement: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.
IRAS ID
217226
Contact name
Lesley Storey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This qualitative study (a study which focuses primarily on individual experience) aims to explore the lived experiences of same-sex adoptive parents undergoing the adoption process within Northern Ireland (N.I). This study will focus on the experiences of these parents from the initial enquiry stage of their adoption journey to the placement of their adopted child. Each individual will be asked to take part in the research by an independent professional (a professional not associated with the research team) within the adoption service of their own Health and Social Care Trust area.
Twelve individual same-sex parents will participate in this study and will be interviewed by the primary researcher using semi structured interviews. Each interview will last between 45-90 minutes and will be conducted at the individual’s home. These interviews will then be analysed by the researcher to identify common themes that emerge. This study will be funded by Queen’s University Belfast and will take two years to complete.
As this research is the first of its kind within N.I, conducting this research within this population and context will be a new and valuable contribution to this area. This research will add to the existing evidence base and will assist in filling in the gaps identified within the current evidence base. By understanding the experiences of these individuals, this study has the potential to influence service provision and may provide tailor made support for same-sex adoptive parents in the future. Northern Ireland has only recently come into line with the rest of the UK by removing the ban on same-sex couples adopting in 2013. With an increasing number of same-sex couples adopting in the UK as a whole, an understanding of these parents experiences of the adoption process is fundamental.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
17/NI/0004
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion