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Journal Article We use longitudinal survey and qualitative information from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine how risk factors such as physical abuse, problematic substance use, and incarceration among unmarried fathers in the study are related to fathers' early involvement with their children. The survey results indicate that nearly half of fathers have at least one risk factor and that each risk is negatively associated with paternal involvement. The results also show that fathers with risk factors are less likely to have romantic relationships with mothers and that relationships…
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Journal Article We use longitudinal survey and qualitative information from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine how risk factors such as physical abuse, problematic substance use, and incarceration among unmarried fathers in the study are related to fathers' early involvement with their children. The survey results indicate that nearly half of fathers have at least one risk factor and that each risk is negatively associated with paternal involvement. The results also show that fathers with risk factors are less likely to have romantic relationships with mothers and that relationships…
This report discusses the incidence of child sexual abuse in families in which children do not live with both biological parents and the silence surrounding the link between family breakdown and child sexual abuse in Australia. The need for a government-commissioned, anti-child sexual abuse public information campaign based on pro-marriage campaigns in the United States is emphasized. It begins with information on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and its lack of focus on familial sexual abuse that accounts for an estimated 70 to 80% of cases of child…
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Journal Article This study describes a test of the Fathers and Sons Program for increasing intentions to avoid violence and reducing aggressive behaviors in 8- to 12-year-old African American boys by enhancing the parenting skills satisfaction and parenting behaviors of their nonresident fathers. The study included 158 intervention and 129 comparison group families. Structural equation model results indicated that the intervention was effective for improving fathers' parenting skills satisfaction, which was positively associated with sons' satisfaction with paternal engagement. Sons' paternal engagement…
Spending positive time with both parents promotes child well-being and is associated with better child support outcomes. Unmarried parents do not have systematic access to assistance in establishing parenting time orders, so stateand local child support programs have sought to address this service gap. This fact sheet highlights states and countiesthat coordinate the establishment of child support orders and parenting time agreements. Family violence safeguardsare always a critical component when addressing parenting time. (Author abstract)
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Journal Article This special issue is the result of a successful collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and researchers leading four important longitudinal studies on intergenerational patterns of violence: The Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study (E-Risk); the Family Transitions Project (FTP); the Lehigh Longitudinal Study; and the Rochester Youth Development Study. The papers included in this issue investigate the role of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and social contexts in the lives of children and their caregivers, provide insight into complex…
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Journal Article This commentary is an introduction to a journal issue showcasing the latest research initiatives that examine the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment and investigate the moderating effects of safe, stable, nurturing relationships (SSNRs) on continuity of the intergenerational cycle of maltreatment. It discusses research findings on the positive relationship between child maltreatment in one generation and child maltreatment in the next and factors that may moderate the effects of child maltreatment. 29 references.
Fatherhood engagement involves a flexible approach where the engagement varies depending upon the father's risk levels and strengths. This list will help to assess risk/dangerousness and make decisions about how to engage a man who has a history of domestic violence. (Author abstract modified)
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Journal Article The saying "violence begets violence" is an apt descriptor of the cycle of family violence, as children who witness parental violence are at high risk for repeating family violence in their own adult intimate relationships. Neuroscience research suggests that emotional regulation may be an important link in the heritability of family violence, and promotes awareness of the importance of internalizing as well as externalizing responses to stress, neglect, and abuse. This study argues for a trauma-informed approach to identifying children and parents whose symptoms of emotional dysregulation…
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Journal Article The parenting dynamics of batterers can be the source of considerable trauma and abuse to children, in addition to that incurred by witnessing violence against their mothers. Bancroft and Silverman describe how batterers are at high risk of physically, sexually, and psychologically abusing and exploiting their children, and how a batterer's attempts at pathological control of the family often continue after separation through custody disputes and during visitation. Intimidation by batterers also prevents mothers from protecting their children and using their parenting strengths. This article…