Social Services Professionals' Views of Barriers to Supporting Homeless Noncustodial Fathers

Abstract

Objective To investigate barriers to service for homeless non-custodial fathers from the perspective of social service professionals who work directly to assist men with securing housing while meeting the demands of fatherhood. Background The population of homeless fathers in the United States is increasing. Longitudinal studies show that although homeless noncustodial fathers and mothers face similar risk factors and barriers to services, research on minimizing risk factors and barriers for noncustodial fathers is limited compared with that for noncustodial mothers. Method The sample included 7 administrators and 12 direct service professionals engaged with fathers transitioning from homelessness. Data were collected via face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach. Multiple cycle coding was employed to capture emerging themes. Results Three major themes, encompassing emotional, relational, and systemic factors, emerged regarding participants’ experiences serving homeless noncustodial fathers. Conclusion Effective approaches to supporting fathers require empathy, relationship building, and collaboration between service providers and policymakers. Implications Future policies and interventions should be based on input from direct service professionals and homeless noncustodial fathers themselves, with the aim of best supporting their efforts toward securing housing while meeting the demands of fatherhood.

Fatherhood Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness

“…This young father’s commitment to his daughter’s well-being and willingness to double his efforts so as to somehow financially support yet another child serve as a noteworthy counterexample to the common portrayal of young street-involved men as “deadbeat dads” (Fagan & Lee, 2011; Rogers & Rogers, 2019). At the same time, by stating that he will keep on trying “harder and harder,” this young father exemplifies what young street-involved fathers might be panicking about when they do flee from such scenarios.…”

“…asshole republican shit”), determined to keep on controlling female sexuality and bodies, views street-involved pregnancies as only involving the mother and the fetus, and if born, child. Although society is harshly condemning men for fleeing their responsibilities (Rogers & Rogers, 2019), it is meant as a deterring message for young women about the risks of nonmarital sex, young street-involved men are neither encouraged to stay and father nor supported if they do try to do so.…”

“…Such inability to provide financially for one’s children may result in a sense of inadequacy and failure to fulfill one’s obligations as a “real” man, findings which have repeatedly been reported by fathers (above age 18) experiencing homelessness (Roche et al, 2018; Schindler & Coley, 2007). Although fathers experiencing homelessness typically report a strained relationship with services such as child-protection services (Fagan & Lee, 2011), services for noncustodial fathers who experience homelessness are mostly employment-related, with almost no interventions aimed at facilitating increased involvement of the father with his children (Barker, 2012; Castillo & Sarver, 2012; Rogers & Rogers, 2019).…”

Protocol for #iBeatCRC: a community-based intervention to increase early-onset colorectal cancer awareness using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach

“…The qualitative data obtained from these interviews will be recorded, transcribed and analysed using Hatch's methods as previously used by our team. [31][32][33] Lastly, Objective 3 (Years 1 and 2) will first focus on intervention development, which will be informed by integrating (1) the findings of Objectives 1 and 2 (quantitative +qualitative), (2) community action board (CAB) input, and (3) the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), 34 a step-by-step intervention development approach that uses theory and evidence-based methods to identify and address barriers. We will then pilot the iBeatCRC intervention, which may be based on a multicomponent media campaign, as endorsed by the Community Preventive Services Task Force for promoting CRC screening among individuals aged 50 years and over.…”

“You get more training to drive a car”: Examining the parenting experiences and service needs of nonresident fathers who are experiencing homelessness.

“…Consequently, there is a gap in the literature about provision of social and parenting services for this subpopulation. Rogers and Rogers (2019) have begun to address this gap in the literature by examining the perspectives of social service professionals who work with homeless fathers. The providers reported that many fathers had lost trust in the entire social service system after negative experiences with child support officials and child protective services (Rogers & Rogers, 2019).…”