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Journal Article Why do fathers matter? Recent conceptual and theoretical advances regarding father–child relationships have demonstrated that fathers affect children's outcomes both directly and indirectly. To attain a complete developmental account of the ecologically rich contexts of child development, in this article, we recommend best practices regarding the conceptualization and assessment of father–child relationships that reflect contemporary family life. We also discuss conceptual and measurement issues pertaining to father–child relationships in different family configurations, including those with…
One of the goals of fatherhood programming is to improve the lives of children by enhancing fathers’ emotional and financial support and encouraging healthy family dynamics. Programs do this through a focus on child development and appropriate parenting skills, the value of fathers’ positive engagement with their children, and the provision of connections to social support systems for fathers. However, rural fatherhood programs may need to address these topics in unique and creative ways due to some of the practical challenges of providing services in rural areas.
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This webinar focuses on participant attendance in fatherhood programs. Practitioners presenting discuss rates of attendance, factors that affect it and methods of increasing it. Featured researchers describe approaches to measuring attendance in fatherhood programs, the effects of attendance on fathers’ outcomes and future directions for studying it. (Author abstract modified)
Other, Fact Sheet
This toolkit is intended as an online tool for programs, states, and tribes where promising practices, programs, and resources are made available on family engagement, described in current research literature as a series of intentional interventions that work together in an integrated way to promote safety, permanency and well being for children, youth, and families. The toolkit can provide an opportunity to connect with colleagues and share program successes and challenges. For this toolkit, we have chosen a few examples and recognize that they are by no means the only programs using some of…
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Evaluating outcomes is critical for program growth and improvement. Increasingly, agency administrators are being required to provide evidence that their services make a difference for the children, families, and communities they serve.To assist in this effort, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides two Logic Model Builders: Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention/Family Support Programs and Postadoption Services Programs. These Logic Model Builders help programs define their service goals and outcomes, identify indicators of success, and select evaluation instruments that may be…
This tip card offers guidance to fatherhood practitioners who are facilitating groups. Participation in peer learning and support groups is a key ingredient of many fatherhoodprograms. When done effectively, group sessions can be the “glue” that keeps men involved in a wider program and leadsto powerful life changes for them and their families.
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Journal Article This editorial shares lessons learned from providing a parenting intervention, employment support, an internship, case management, and behavioral health services to young fathers in a community-based program, FatherWorks (an adaptation of Supporting Father Involvement), designed to reduce unintended pregnancies. These lessons were identified through monthly team meetings over the course of a six-year grant from the Personal Responsibility Education Innovative Strategies Program of the Family and Youth Services Bureau. (Author abstract modified)
This tip card offers fatherhood practitioners tips on outreach and recruitment methods.
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Journal Article Healthy Families New York (HFNY) is an evidence-based home visiting program for expectant and new parents in socioeconomically disadvantaged families at elevated risk for child maltreatment and other adverse outcomes. HFNY makes concerted efforts to promote a father-inclusive culture and increase engagement of fathers in all aspects of home visiting. This study describes fathers’ participation in HFNY and examines how fathers’ participation relates to program retention and to father–child co-residency and father involvement. Program data were extracted from HFNY’s data management system.…
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Father engagement is not a stand-alone program initiative, but a vital and integrated aspect of parent, family, and community work. This series is organized around the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.[SB1] [TJ2] The Framework guides collaboration among families, Head Start and Early Head Start programs and staff, and community service providers to promote positive, enduring change for children and families. The Framework is the foundation for father engagement efforts. This series is designed for…
