- Margaret L. Kerr, Jenna Klink, and Gabriel Smith
- September 2024
- CSRA-22-24-T15
- Link to CSRA-22-24-T15 (PDF)
Fathers’ engagement and financial support plays an important role in healthy child well-being and development, yet, many noncustodial fathers experience barriers to financially supporting and spending time with their children. Previous research has found that fathers without primary placement seek support and education on topics such as successful coparenting and navigating the child support system, as well as the desire to learn from other fathers who owe child support and live apart from their children. This task supports the goal of developing and evaluating new ways of constructively engaging noncustodial fathers to help strengthen their nonfinancial and financial support of nonresident children. To meet this goal, we developed and pilot tested a fatherhood peer support program targeting noncustodial fathers’ specific needs.
The study had two components: Phase 1 garnered fathers’ feedback and insights on potential program content and structure. Phase 2 assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the fatherhood peer support program that was developed and refined through the feedback obtained in Phase 1. The data for Phase 1 came from two focus groups conducted with a total of eight fathers whose children do not live with them full-time. For Phase 2, data sources included pre- and post-course surveys, post-session surveys, and a focus group held after the final program session. We also incorporated feedback obtained from the program facilitators.
Findings from Phase 1 indicated that fathers were enthusiastic about the potential program but suggested adding a session on men’s mental and emotional health. Findings from Phase 2 suggested that the program was well-liked by fathers and demonstrated strong program attendance and engagement. The quantitative findings indicated that fathers generally found the program to be helpful and informative, felt comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives, and connected well with the other fathers. Findings support preliminary feasibility and acceptability of the four-session peer support program.
More broadly, our findings suggest that a program centered around peer support that also offers brief, targeted education and information on relevant topics may be an effective tool for helping noncustodial fathers access resources and knowledge about child support and related topics. Most fathers agreed that they felt more comfortable working with and could better navigate child support and custody systems because of the program. There was a significant increase in positive attitudes and beliefs about child support services from before to after the program. All fathers felt more comfortable connecting with their children after the program and most connected with other fathers as well.
Fathers’ suggestions for program improvement included more exposure to the content and each other (such as longer and additional sessions), more ways to connect outside of the program, and a consistent program facilitator. They repeatedly expressed the value of coming together to talk to other fathers about their experiences and emotions and were looking for more opportunities to engage in peer support. In summary, potential implications for programs and services for noncustodial fathers include: 1) Continued investment in peer support programs; 2) More targeted and individualized resources and services; and 3) Programmatic support for men’s mental health.
Categories
Child Support, Child Support Policy Research, Family & Partnering, Parenting
Tags
Noncustodial Parents/NCP, Pilot Study, Qualitative Research, Wisconsin