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Since 2014, the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network (FRPN) has awarded funding to 20 research projects. Reports for two projects are now available.
The Engagement of Fathers in Home Visiting Services: Learning from the Dads Matter-HV Study
The “Dads Matter-HV” (home visitation) service enhancement is an intervention that guides home visitors on how to optimize fathers’ roles during the critical first four months of home visiting services, when family and service patterns are most malleable. Through FRPN-funding, a group of researchers led by the University of Denver’s Jennifer Bellamy, PhD., in collaboration with Metropolitan Family Services and four other Chicago-based programs, investigated home visitors’ attitudes and expectations about working with fathers and the effects of implementing the Dads Matter enhancement on fathers’ participation in home visits and the home visitors’ relationships with mothers and fathers.
Findings from this study indicate that home visitors report generally positive attitudes toward engaging fathers, training home visitors in Dads Matter-HV increases dads’ participation in home visiting services, and it does not compromise workers’ relationships with mothers. Moreover, home visitors trained in Dads Matter-HV describe using more, and more varied, approaches to engaging fathers in services.
Download the Dads Matter-HV study.
Responsible Fatherhood Groups and Domestic Violence Education: An Exploratory Study of Current Practices, Barriers, and Opportunities
There is increasing recognition that the unique features of responsible fatherhood groups make them a potentially powerful venue for selective and universal domestic violence prevention. However, the few studies that have been conducted on this topic suggest that addressing domestic violence in responsible fatherhood groups is neither widespread nor standardized.
FRPN awarded funding to Simmons University researchers to explore the extent to which responsible fatherhood groups are addressing domestic violence and identify the barriers and supports that influence their ability to do so.
Study findings indicate that there has been considerable progress among many responsible fatherhood groups regarding their attitudes, norms, and innovative practices related to addressing the issue of domestic violence. Ensuring that this shift continues will require substantially more financial resources as well as mutual education and relationship-building between the responsible fatherhood and domestic violence fields.
Review the Simmons University study.
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