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This factsheet explores the relationship between men's pregnancy intentions with the quantity and quality of fathers' later involvement with their children and partners, and for child well-being. Research is cited that indicates men who report that a partner's pregnancy was unintended are likely to exhibit lower levels and poorer quality of involvement with their children following birth. In addition, men's pregnancy intentions are associated with the quality of the father-mother relationship and with children's cognitive and socioemotional well-being. Studies suggest: men whose…

This factsheet explores the relationship between men's prenatal involvement and the quantity and quality of fathers' involvement with their children and partners following the birth. Research is cited that indicates men who are involved with their partners during pregnancy and around the time of birth are likely to exhibit higher levels and quality of involvement with their children following birth. In addition, prenatal involvement may hold benefits for fathers themselves. Studies suggest: fathers' prenatal involvement is significantly related to a higher quantity of involvement following…

This factsheet explores the impact of stepfather involvement on child well-being. Research is cited that indicates although stepfathers are generally less involved with children than are biological fathers, they can have positive impacts on child and maternal outcomes. Studies suggest: stepfathers are generally less involved with children than are resident biological fathers; stepfathers typically show low levels of positive demeanor toward children and are less likely to express positive feelings toward or be supportive of children; stepfathers are perceived as being less successful at…

A critical review of curricula requires objective and in-depth analysis. For these reasons, this fact sheet offers guidelines to help practitioners select and implement a curriculum for use in any fatherhood program. (Author abstract modified)

Involvement in fatherhood programs has been found to be associated with increases in fathers' empathy, improvements in family relationships, and increases in fathers' involvement with their children. In addition, fatherhood programs can improve fathers' self-confidence and involvement in work, as well as encourage them to build social relationships. However, if fathers are not effectively recruited into programs, then they cannot reap these program benefits. This brief presents several strategies that can be used by program practitioners to recruit fathers into programs. (Author abstract…

Effective implementation of fatherhood programs requires staff who are knowledgeable about the program and its participants. Training can provide program staff with the knowledge to become competent in program content, sensitive to participants' cultural backgrounds, and aware of fathers' instructional preferences. This brief provides five tips for training fatherhood program staff successfully. (Author abstract)

This fact sheet explains different types of domestic violence and the impact domestic violence has on families. Research findings are shared on the impact of domestic violence for fathers, children, father involvement, and fathers' partners, and the overall decrease in domestic violence victimization is noted. Charts are provided that illustrate differences in domestic violence victimization by subgroups, including differences by gender, age, race, socioeconomic status, and marital status. 1 figure, 5 tables, and 44 references.

This fact sheet shares research findings on the characteristics and outcomes of single father custodial families. Research results are cited on the implications of single fatherhood for fathers, father involvement, and children. Charts are then provided illustrating overall trends in single fatherhood and differences in single fatherhood by subgroups, including socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, and educational attainment. 2 tables, 5 figures, and 3 references.

Not living in the same household as one's young child makes it difficult for a father to maintain contact with and involvement in the child's life. Further, research shows a link between fathers' lack of social and financial involvement in their children's lives and negative child outcomes, such as problem behaviors and low academic achievement. This fact sheet discusses the implications and importance of nonresident fatherhood. (Author abstract)

Fathers who abuse drugs not only hurt themselves but they hurt the closest people in their lives. While illicit substance use rates for men have declined since the 1970s, these rates remain higher for men than for women. This drug use is more common among young, less educated unmarried men in minority groups than among other fathers. This fact sheet discusses the implications of drug use for fathers and their families.