Researcher Background

I am a registered social worker in the province of Québec and a PhD candidate in Social Work at Université Laval, where I also work as a research assistant. My research focuses on 2SLGBTQ+ issues, queer families, and polyamory, with a particular interest in how family diversity is recognized and supported by social and health institutions. Grounded in critical and inclusive perspectives, my work seeks to highlight the experiences of families that fall outside of traditional heteronormative and mononormative models. This study is part of my doctoral project, supervised by Professor Kévin Lavoie at the School of Social Work and Criminology, Université Laval. Through this research, I aim to contribute to greater recognition and understanding of polyparental and queer family forms within both academic and professional settings.

Purpose of this Research Project

This doctoral research focuses on Canadian polyparental families and their interactions with helping professionals (HPs), including social workers, psychologists, sexologists, and psychoeducators. Polyparental families are composed of more than two parents engaged in polyamorous, consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships, which encompass intimate relationships beyond the traditional dyadic couple model. Existing data indicate that 2.4–4% of Canadians practice CNM, with 22.5% of them living with at least one child. However, prevalence rates across provinces and territories remain unknown.

Currently, most Canadian provinces legally recognize a maximum of two parents, with the exception of Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In jurisdictions where additional parents are not legally recognized, this can create challenges in cases of separation or death, as the rights of third parents are unprotected. Even in provinces that recognize multiple parents, criteria may be rigid and fail to capture the diversity of possible family arrangements.

Beyond legal limitations, social attitudes toward CNM often involve negative judgment, particularly in the context of parenting. Many polyparental parents report experiencing stigma and critical comments regarding their family structure. This lack of social and legal recognition appears to influence their experiences with HPs, with some parents reporting judgment or apprehension from professionals about losing custody due to their family structure. Most professional training programs, however, do not address CNM or polyparental family structures, leaving HPs underprepared to work effectively with this population.

A literature review conducted as part of this doctoral project revealed significant gaps: very few studies have examined the daily functioning, configurations, or legal recognition of polyparental families, and no research has addressed interventions tailored to these families. Consequently, there is a critical need for research to inform inclusive professional practices.

Research Question and Objectives

This project is guided by the question: “How do polyparental families navigate their marginalization from normative family structures in daily life and in their interactions with helping professionals?” Three objectives have been defined: (1) describe the daily experiences of polyparental parents and their interactions with HPs; (2) document HPs’ practices with polyparental families; and (3) identify promising intervention strategies in collaboration with both parents and HPs to foster inclusion within institutional contexts.

Methodology

A descriptive qualitative approach will be employed, well suited for in-depth exploration of emerging phenomena. The study comprises two components:

• Part I: Semi-structured interviews with 12–16 polyparental parents across Canadian provinces using contrast-saturation sampling to capture differences between legally recognized and non-recognized parents. Interviews will focus on daily family life, experiences with HPs, and desired professional practices.
• Part II: Two focus groups with 8–10 HPs who have worked with polyparental families. A first session will examine their practices, and a second will explore potential guidelines for intervention with polyparental families.

This project aims to provide evidence-based insights to support inclusive and informed practice for HPs working with polyparental families in Canada.

I am writing to kindly request your help in supporting the parent recruitment. 

How this Research Will Help 2SLGBTQ+ People and Communities

This research will contribute to improving the recognition and understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ families, particularly those practicing polyamory and polyparenting. These family forms, while sometimes perceived as new, have long been part of queer communities. Although multi-parent models are increasingly present among heterosexual people, they remain more common within sexually and gender-diverse populations. By documenting and analyzing the experiences of these families, this research will help legitimize their realities, reduce stigma, and support more inclusive social and institutional practices.

Eligibility & Participation

I am looking for polyparents who are :
- 18 years of age or older ;
- residing in Canada ;
- able to communicate in English or French ;
- the parent of at least on child in a polyparental context (more than two parents, in a polyamorous context), wheter legally recognized or not.

Compensation

Participants can enter a draw for one of three $50 prepaid credit cards (activation fees excluded) to compensate for their participation.

Participant Support & Mitigation Measures

Participation provides an opportunity to reflect on and confidentially discuss participants family's formation and experiences. It also contributes to advancing research on family diversity and intervention practices. However, sharing this experience may bring up emotional or unpleasant memories. If this happens, participants can talk about it with the interviewer. A list of resources is also provided to help if needed.

If participants are completing the interview with other co-parents, they may be asked to express differing views about their family or revisit situations that may have caused conflict. Should this make them feel uncomfortable, they are welcome to ask the interviewer to proceed to the next question.

How to Participate / Recruitment

The study is currently being promoted through targeted outreach on Facebook (in polyamory and polyparenting groups), as well as via research centres with which I am affiliated, such as JEFAR, CRUJeF and CREMIS. Recruitment also occurs through word of mouth within relevant community and professional networks.