This report discusses the outcomes of a research review that evaluated evidence-based research findings on programs for fathers. It begins by emphasizing the importance of fatherhood interventions, identifying barriers to male participation in programs, and explaining principles that were used to identify rigorous research and the criteria used for considering fatherhood programs for the review. Different types of fatherhood programs are described, along with ten characteristics of effective fatherhood programs. Effective programs incorporated teaching methods and materials that were appropriate for fathers and the cultures of the populations served; selected teachers or leaders who believed in the program they were implementing and then provided them with training; had a higher staff-participant ratio; used targeted curricula; used theoretical approaches that have been effective in influencing parenting behaviors in other contexts; employed a variety of teaching methods designed to focus on the fathers as individuals, and thereby personalized the information; lasted a sufficient amount of time to complete important core activities adequately; had staff who engaged in one-on-one relationships with fathers; encouraged the use of an incentive to fathers and or their families; and replicated their curricula with fidelity. Ten strategies for fatherhood programs are also considered, and conclusions about the state of research on the effectiveness of fatherhood programs are shared. The appendices then describe 8 model fatherhood programs, 14 promising fatherhood programs, and 12 emerging fatherhood programs. Each description includes information on the program?s goals, targeted population, evaluation design, structure, content, design, and evaluation findings. 3 tables and 23 references.
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