Elements of Promising Practice in Programs Serving Fathers Involved in the Criminal Justice System.

This report discusses the outcomes of a research review that evaluated evidence-based research findings on fatherhood programs for fathers involved in the criminal justice system and identified effective programs. It begins by emphasizing the importance of fatherhood programs for incarcerated fathers, discussing barriers to participation in programs, and explaining principles that were used to identify rigorous research on effective fatherhood programs for this population and the criteria used for considering fatherhood programs for the review. Eight key elements of model programs serving fathers in the criminal justice system are identified from four programs: the Filial Therapy Program for incarcerated fathers, the Center for Employment Opportunities Program, parental training for incarcerated fathers, and Systematic Training for Effective Parenting for Incarcerated Fathers. Effective programs were found to provide staff training or hiring staff with experience working with incarcerated populations; used theoretically driven program models; lasted a sufficient amount of time to complete important core activities adequately (at least 8 weeks); taught both incarcerated and re-entering fathers important skills and gave them opportunities to practice using them; addressed the unique needs facing both incarcerated and re-entering fathers; provided diversity in the delivery of program services to incarcerated fathers; used an incentive with fathers; and worked with incarcerated and re-entering fathers either one-on-one or in small group settings. Appendices describe 4 model programs for incarcerated fathers, 2 promising programs, and 14 emerging programs for incarcerated fathers. Each description includes information on the program's goals, targeted population, evaluation design, structure, content, design, and evaluation findings. Numerous references.