1
|
Gordon DM, Moore KE, Vincent W, Iwamoto DK, Campbell C, Hunter BA, Ward NL, Hawes SW, Albritton T, McCaulley H, DiTunno D, Judkins A. Intimate Partner Violence Among Low-Income Fathers: Testing a Stress-Coping Model. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:1634-1659. [PMID: 29295001 PMCID: PMC6433533 DOI: 10.1177/0886260517736878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This research used a stress-coping conceptual framework to examine intimate partner violence (IPV) among men who are fathers. The current study examined how perceived stress explained associations between stressors (e.g., employment status, psychological and physical female-to-male partner violence [FMPV], substance use, criminal justice system involvement) and male-perpetrated physical and psychological IPV. Participants were 1,971 low-income, ethnically diverse fathers involved in a statewide fatherhood program. Findings indicated that, across African American, White, and Hispanic/Latino men, male-reported FMPV and criminal justice involvement were associated with psychological and/or physical IPV via perceived stress. Employment status and alcohol use were associated with psychological IPV via perceived stress among African American men only. Implications for community-based fatherhood programs are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dianna DiTunno
- Connecticut Department of Social Services, New Haven, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Julion WA, Sumo J, Bounds DT, Breitenstein SM, Schoeny M, Gross D, Fogg L. Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial of a fatherhood intervention for African American non-resident fathers: Can we improve father and child outcomes? Contemp Clin Trials 2016; 49:29-39. [PMID: 27241687 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE African American (AA) fathers who live apart from their children face multiple obstacles to consistent and positive involvement with their children. Consequently, significant numbers of children are bereft of their father's positive involvement. Intervention research that is explicitly focused on promoting the positive involvement of non-resident AA fathers with their young children is limited. The purpose of this article is to describe the study protocol of a randomized trial (RCT) designed to test the Building Bridges to Fatherhood program against a financial literacy comparison condition; and discuss early implementation challenges. METHODS Fathers (n=180) are recruited to attend 10 group meetings, reimbursed for transportation, given dinner and activity vouchers for spending time with their child, and incentivized with a $40 gift card at each data collection time point. Mothers are incentivized ($40 gift card) at data collection and must be amenable to father child interaction. Intervention targets include father psychological well-being, parenting competence, communication, problem-solving ability; father-mother relationship quality; and child behavioral and emotional/social development. RESULTS To date, 57 fathers have been randomized to study condition. Recruitment has been influenced by father and mother hesitancy and the logistics of reaching and maintaining contact with participants. Strategies to surmount challenges to father and mother recruitment and engagement have been developed. CONCLUSIONS The prospective benefits of positive father involvement to children, fathers and families outweigh the challenges associated with community-based intervention research. The findings from this RCT can inform the body of knowledge on engaging AA non-resident fathers in culturally relevant fatherhood programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wrenetha A Julion
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush University College of Nursing, 600 S. Paulina Suite 1080, Chicago IL, 60608, United States.
| | - Jen'nea Sumo
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush University College of Nursing, 600 S. Paulina Suite 1080, Chicago IL, 60608, United States
| | - Dawn T Bounds
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush University College of Nursing, 600 S. Paulina Suite 1080, Chicago IL, 60608, United States
| | - Susan M Breitenstein
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush University College of Nursing, 600 S. Paulina Suite 1080, Chicago IL, 60608, United States
| | - Michael Schoeny
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush University College of Nursing, 600 S. Paulina Suite 1080, Chicago IL, 60608, United States
| | - Deborah Gross
- Johns Hopkins University Acute and Chronic Care, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 N Wolfe St 531, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Louis Fogg
- Rush University Medical Center, Rush University College of Nursing, 600 S. Paulina Suite 1080, Chicago IL, 60608, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Campbell CA, Howard D, Rayford BS, Gordon DM. Fathers Matter: Involving and Engaging Fathers in the Child Welfare System Process. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2015; 53:84-91. [PMID: 25866428 PMCID: PMC4389279 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that children with involved and engaged fathers tend to have more positive outcomes relative to physical, cognitive, and social emotional health. Of children who become involved in the child welfare system, involving multiple parents in the case (e.g. mother and father) often results in a greater chance of a child returning home, fewer placement episodes, and reduced trauma that may be caused by separation anxiety. With the rise of single parenting homes (which are mostly maternal) in the United States, child welfare agencies are examining the efficacy of engaging multiple caregivers (esp. fathers) in the child welfare process. Research suggests that in order to involve fathers in child welfare processes, practices and policies must be intentional in implementing systems and protocols that encourage involvement of all parents regardless of relationship status of the parents. However, few child welfare agencies are required to inquire about fathers or involve fathers in the child's case. The purpose of this paper is to highlight efforts of the Connecticut Comprehensive Outcome Review (CCOR) process and discuss challenges and lessons learned from interviews and listening forums/focus groups that included social workers and fathers who are involved in the child welfare system in the state of Connecticut. Recommendations and considerations on engaging and involving fathers are discussed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Gordon DM, Oliveros A, Hawes SW, Iwamoto DK, Rayford BS. Engaging fathers in child protection services: A review of factors and strategies across ecological systems. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2012; 34:1399-1417. [PMID: 25232202 PMCID: PMC4164052 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Current policy regarding child protection services places increasing demands for providers to engage fathers whose children are involved in the child protection process. This requisite brings to the fore the ongoing challenges that fathers have historically faced in working within these systems. Despite this need, there is little empirical evidence regarding the factors and strategies that impact the engagement of fathers in interventions relevant to child protection services. This comprehensive and systemic review synthesizes the available literature regarding factors and strategies that may foster paternal involvement in the child protection system and their services. We organize the literature concerning paternal engagement in child and family services around an ecological model that examines paternal engagement from individual, family, service provider, program, community, and policy levels. We consider factors and strategies along a continuum of engagement through intent to enroll, enrollment, and retention. This review advances theory by elucidating key factors that foster father engagement. The review also highlights the gaps in the literature and provides strategies for how researchers can address these areas. Future directions in the arenas of practice and policy are discussed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Gordon DM, Iwamoto D, Watkins ND, Kershaw T, Mason D, Judkins A. Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Programming: Factors Affecting Low-Income Fathers' Involvement in Child Protection Services and Court-Restricted Access to Their Children. JOURNAL OF POVERTY 2011; 15:10.1080/10875549.2011.563173. [PMID: 24273406 PMCID: PMC3834591 DOI: 10.1080/10875549.2011.563173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates how unemployment, traumatic sexual experiences, substance use, intimate partner violence, and parental involvement collectively contribute to involvement with child protective system (CPS) and court-restricted access to children among low-income, ethnically diverse fathers. Participants were 164 fathers involved in a statewide fatherhood program. The majority of the fathers in the program were unemployed (76%) and ethnic minorities (66%). Logistic regression revealed that traumatic sexual experiences and number of children were significant predictors of CPS involvement, whereas employment and traumatic sexual experience were associated with court-restricted access to their children. The results elucidate that clinicians and father-hood programs may need to attend to the history of traumatic experiences, as well as other contextual factors, of fathers and identify how, through trauma-focused interventions, to positively affect them and their children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derrick M. Gordon
- Division of Prevention and Community Research, The Consultation Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Derek Iwamoto
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland-College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Natasha D. Watkins
- Division of Prevention and Community Research, The Consultation Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Trace Kershaw
- Division of Prevention and Community Research, The Consultation Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Diana Mason
- Connecticut's Department of Social Services, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anthony Judkins
- Connecticut's Department of Social Services, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|