Researchers from Ohio University received FRPN funding to conduct a mixed methods study exploring factors associated with retention, completion, and outcomes across seven Ohio fatherhood agencies.

The researchers conducted a one-group, pretest-post-test study to obtain quantitative and qualitative feedback from 357 fathers residing in the community and 432 incarcerated fathers related to relationships with their children, parenting classes or communication, child support, legal issues, employment, and referrals, education, or counseling.

While only about half of all the enrolled fathers completed the programming, findings showed that the fathers who completed classes and received case management services were very satisfied with their relationships with staff and other fathers, the interventions they received, their overall experiences, and their outcomes. Community fathers who completed case management services reported a significant increase in their involvement with children and in the quality of the father-mother coparenting alliance between pretest and post-test.

Implications for fatherhood practitioners and researchers are discussed in the study.  Download the full report below. The summary report can be reviewed here and the executive summary here.