Brief
This research brief describes implementation findings from the evaluation of Responsible Fatherhood, Marriage and Family Strengthening Grants for Incarcerated and Reentering Fathers and Their Partners (MFS-IP). It documents approaches to teaching relationship skills among incarcerated and reentering fathers and their families. The multi-year implementation and impact evaluation of the MFS-IP grants is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Author abstract)
Brief
This brief highlights the importance of father-child visitation in the child welfare system and recommends best practices for child welfare professionals in facilitating and promoting these visits. It begins by reviewing the research on the link between parent/child visits and achieving permanency for the child. The differences between fathers and mothers that should inform practices relating to father-child visits are then explained, and included a greater focus on tasks, a less likelihood of talking about relationships, the use of a stern voice and fewer words when correcting children, more…
Brief
To promote a more coordinated approach to meeting children's developmental needs, this brief proposes the adoption of the SERIES paradigm of developmental screening in which each step -- Screening, Early Identification, Referral, Intake, Evaluation, and Services -- is seen not as an isolated activity, but rather an integral component of a single process. SERIES challenges all systems serving young children to broaden their focus to include practices that promote shared responsibility for ensuring that each child successfully completes the entire pathway from screening to services. This brief…
