Factors Associated with Fatherhood Program Engagement and Completion

Lessons Learned from Participating Fathers

Bibliographic Data

ID11215258
AuthorsShih‐ying Cheng (0000-0002-8403-7016, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, corresponding author), Patricia L Kohl (Brown School Evaluation Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA), C King (0000-0002-1210-3942, Washington University in St. Louis), Melissa J Krauss (0000-0002-8726-7394, Brown School Evaluation Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA), Destini N Goodwin (Fathers & Families Support Center, St. Louis, MO, USA), Cheri D Tillis (Fathers & Families Support Center, St. Louis, MO, USA), Patrick J Fowler (0000-0002-3941-3916, Brown School Evaluation Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA), Nancy B Mueller (Office of the Provost, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA)
Year2024
Volume50
Issue5
Pages820-833
Publication date2024-09-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social Service Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0148-8376 • E-ISSN: 1540-7314
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01488376.2024.2349230
OpenAlexW4396704285
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited34

It is evident that father engagement in parenting contributes to child well-being, and fatherhood programs effectively enhance father engagement and employment outcomes. However, program effectiveness can be compromised if participating fathers drop out. This study investigates factors associated with program engagement (i.e., initiating treatment) and completion (i.e., attending 75% or more sessions) with a sample of primarily African American fathers recruited from a community-based organization in the United States (n = 691). The analysis showed that nearly one-third (31%) of enrolled fathers did not attend any program session, and just over half (55%) of those who attended at least one session completed the program. Being older was associated with program engagement, while having a high school diploma and being ordered by the court to pay child support were associated with program completion. Fathers expressed several barriers to program participation, including programmatic and institutional issues (Rules and Staff, Fit Misaligned with Needs), as well as scheduling and external factors (Job-Related Conflict, Logistic Issues, Challenging Life Events). These findings highlight the importance of identifying participant motivation, addressing life challenges, and implementing strengths-based practices in fatherhood programs to make fathers feel seen, welcomed, and supported

Developmental psychology · Medical education · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics · Medicine · Psychology · Work-Family Balance Challenges

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