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Journal Article A cohort study was conducted to examine the association between father involvement and child neglect. Participants were recruited from an inner-city pediatric primary care clinic and a clinic for children at risk for human immunodeficiency virus infection in a teaching hospital. Child neglect was measured via home observation, a videotaped mother-child interaction, and child protective services reports. A father or father figures was identified for 27 percent of the 244 five-year-old children participating in the study. Rates of neglect ranged between 11 percent and 30 percent. Father absence…
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Journal Article The facilitation of a positive relationship between the children of abused women and the perpetrator of the violence is extremely complex in the light of the potential danger for women and children and the conflicting needs, interests, and rights of different family members. Nevertheless, social service agencies can no longer ignore the role of abusive men as fathers. Holding men accountable for their children's well being may, under certain conditions, contribute to the healthier emotional development of affected children. This article critically discusses this controversial issue by…
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Training Materials This kit comes packed with publications that offer men insight into the very important role they play in their children's lives, plus friendly guidance on how to be an active, involved father. Kit includes "Being The Best Father You Can Be; A Parent's Handbook", "Fathers And Their Children's Education -- It's Important To Be Involved", and "Being A Good Father".
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Journal Article This qualitative study uses family observations and semi-structured interviews with 23 women to explore the relationship management work of building and maintaining father-child relationships. Five women indicated they did not engage in any efforts to enhance father-child relationships; 18 women reported doing some type of father-child relationship management work, although the extent of such efforts appeared to vary among these women. Several strategies to facilitate positive father-child involvement were identified: offering suggestions for joint father-child activities, relaying…
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Journal Article This article discusses recent revisions in child support and paternity establishment legislation enacted under the 1996 welfare reform effort, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). It critically reviews recent studies on child support collection and literature from social service programs that focus on fathers whose children receive welfare. In doing so, it illuminates the ways in which the contemporary U.S. welfare state defines men's fathering. Many scholars of the U.S. welfare state have described the state's role in the (re)production of women's…
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Journal Article A multifactorial model was used to identify child, sociodemographic, paternal, and maternal characteristics associated with 2 aspects of fathers' parenting. Fathers were interviewed about their caregiving responsibilities at 6, 15, 24, and 36 months, and a subset was videotaped during father-child play at 6 and 36 months. Caregiving activities and sensitivity during play interactions were predicted by different factors. Fathers were more involved in caregiving when fathers worked fewer hours andmothers worked more hours, when fathers and mothers were younger, when fathers had more positive…
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Journal Article Many fathers are prohibited from seeking custody changes because of the legal costs involved. Parents with joint legal custody often have difficulties arranging visitation with their children. Some parents are difficult and frequently cancel, reschedule, or in other ways thwart regular father-child visits. If a parent becomes frustrated and the issue is not resolved, they may seek joint or sole physical custody. However in order to modify a joint custody agreement, a father must demonstrate such a change is in his child's best interest. The author presents a scenario of a father whose efforts…
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Training Materials Based on the experiences of the Colorado Fatherhood Connection, this guide for community organizations explains how to develop programs to promote father involvement in family life. The chapters describe the important roles of fathers and outline practical strategies for assessing the needs of the community and planning programs. Considerations for board structure, the identification of available resources, the definition of mission and goals, staff requirements, marketing strategies, and budgeting are discussed. The resource guide also provides profiles of effective models that have been…
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Training Materials Developed for peer support groups in the Parents' Fair Share Demonstration program, this curriculum is designed to enhance the parenting skills of noncustodial fathers. The 18 sessions address the rights and responsibilities of noncustodial fathers, child development and behavior, coping skills, anger management, and relationships with friends, partners, and coworkers. Other issues include racism, time and money management, and support networks. The manual includes guidelines for facilitators. Tips for modifying the curriculum, managing peer groups, and complying with confidentiality…
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Journal Article The last few decades have seen a dramatic increase in the number of children raised in homes where the biological father is not present. Many of these children, mired in secrecy, guilt, and family conflict, are left with unanswered questions and self-doubts about this absence. Depression and behavioral problems often result. This article reviews the clinical literature around relevant issues such as father hunger, developmental deficits, and the varying effects on the child depending on age, sex, and the degree of the father's absence. Several case examples are offered to illustrate these…
