Fathers and paternal family members play a crucial role in children’s growth, development, and well-being. Effectively involving fathers in parenting and protecting their children sometimes presents unique challenges and may require special strategies. In this section, find resources and tips from local and national fatherhood and related organizations to support and engage fathers.

Supporting Fatherhood at the Federal Level

Building Bridges and Bonds (B3) Evaluation, 2014-2021
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
Offers information about a study to identify effective strategies for fatherhood programs focused on responsible parenting, economic stability, and healthy marriage.

Creating a Trauma-Informed System of Care for Formerly Incarcerated Dads
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (2019)
Details a study of how a trauma-informed system of care can be incorporated into Responsible Father programs to support fathers with incarceration histories.

Engaging Fathers and Paternal Relatives: A Continuous Quality Improvement Approach in the Child Welfare System, 2017 - 2023
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
Presents information about a project aimed at improving strategies and interventions to better engage fathers in the child welfare system.

Fatherhood: Ongoing Research and Program Evaluation Efforts in the Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (2019)
Details ongoing and past ACF research and evaluation efforts on programs to support fatherhood, including the Responsible Fatherhood program and initiatives to engage noncustodial parents.

How Can We Better Engage Fathers in Prevention?
Casey Family Programs (2019)  
Describes the essential role that fathers play in children’s lives and the benefits of having an involved father. The webpage also offers strategies and resources that support fatherhood initiatives and interventions in child welfare, including those related to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Strengthening the Implementation of Responsible Fatherhood Programs (SIRF), 2019 – 2022
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
Provides information on a study on reducing roadblocks to improve Responsible Fatherhood programs across the country.

Supporting the Fatherhood Journey: Findings From the Parents and Children Together Evaluation (PACT)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (2019)
Presents the findings of the Parents and Children Together (PACT) Evaluation, which examined four Responsible Fatherhood programs, including their implications for practice improvements.

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