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Journal Article We use longitudinal survey and qualitative information from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine how risk factors such as physical abuse, problematic substance use, and incarceration among unmarried fathers in the study are related to fathers' early involvement with their children. The survey results indicate that nearly half of fathers have at least one risk factor and that each risk is negatively associated with paternal involvement. The results also show that fathers with risk factors are less likely to have romantic relationships with mothers and that relationships…
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Journal Article The father-child relationship and father's parenting style are examined as predictors of first delinquency and substance use, using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1997, Rounds 1 to 3 (N= 5,345), among adolescents in intact families. Discrete time logistic regressions indicate that a more positive father-child relationship predicts a reduced risk of engagement in multiple first risky behaviors. Having a father with an authoritarian parenting style is associated with an increased risk of engaging in delinquent activity and substance use. Two-way interaction models further…
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Journal Article We use longitudinal survey and qualitative information from the Fragile Families and Child WellbeingStudy to examine how risk factors such as physical abuse, problematic substance use, and incarceration among unmarried fathers in the study are related to fathers' early involvement with their children. The survey results indicate that nearly half of fathers have at least one risk factor and that each risk is negatively associated with paternal involvement. The results also show that fathers with risk factors are less likely to have romantic relationships with mothers and that relationships…
This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of a 5-year project in Los Angeles designed to improve the lives of abused, neglected, or at-risk children by treating bonding and attachment difficulties between fathers and their biological children. Components of the program include: group therapy for fathers, small groups, play therapy activities for children, vocational counseling for fathers, assistance with community support, and advocacy for fatherhood initiatives. Over the grant period, 18 fatherhood programs were started by 112 professionals who attended a five day training…
Researchers, community organizations and government agencies, including Child Support Enforcement agencies, are seeking effective strategies to make reentry of offenders successful while balancing the needs of communities for safety. This background report presents a synopsis of key reentry research that relates to offenders and ex-offenders with family responsibilities and highlights the findings that apply to those with child support involvement. Reviewing the primary issues and services, the report draws from many sources, such as Bureau of Justice Statistics reports and prisoner reentry…
This report examines the findings of ten demonstration projects funded by OCSE in nine states and jurisdictions (California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Washington and Washington, DC) that addressed issues related to incarceration and child support. The projects, conducted over a six-year period, were funded by OCSE through a number of grant cycles. They were selected to examine various issues and objectives of interest to OCSE, and do not represent a single "incarceration initiative." Some projects focused on the process of working with incarcerated parents…
