Systematic Review of Fathers' Involvement in Programmes for the Primary Prevention of Child Maltreatment

Abstract

Both mothers and fathers perpetrate child maltreatment, but it is uncertain the extent to which child maltreatment prevention programmes include fathers. The objectives of this systematic review were to determine: (1) how many empirically studied primary prevention programmes for child maltreatment have included fathers; (2) among studies including fathers, what percentage of participants were fathers; and (3) whether programmes were effective in reducing paternal risk factors for child maltreatment. Three online databases were searched. Eligible articles were English language, original research studies describing an intervention for the primary prevention of child maltreatment for children ≤ five years. Included studies had to include at least one father. After screening for eligibility using titles and abstracts, the full text of 158 articles was abstracted. Seventeen studies, describing 15 individual and one multi‐site programme, met eligibility criteria. The majority of the studies identified by the systematic review were from the USA. Thirteen programmes had < 30 per cent paternal participation; one did not clearly delineate the number of fathers. In the final two programmes, ≥ 50 per cent of the participants were fathers. Programme effectiveness in reducing paternal risk factors is uncertain because only the two studies with ≥ 50 per cent fathers reported father‐specific results. Few fathers participated in empirically studied child maltreatment primary prevention programmes. Research is needed to determine how to actively engage fathers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Messages Few empirically studied primary prevention programmes for child maltreatment include fathers. Reviewed primary prevention programmes for child maltreatment commonly addressed parenting strategies and techniques. Future programmes for the primary prevention of child maltreatment should determine how to effectively recruit and actively engage fathers' participation, provide programme content relevant to fathers, and conduct interventions at times and locations convenient to fathers.

Initial Findings from a Feasibility Trial Examining the SafeCare Dad to Kids Program with Marginalized Fathers

“…However, data for how well parenting training and/or support programs work with fathers is limited at best (Lee et al, 2013; Osborne et al, 2016; Scourfield, 2014;). Smith, Duggan, Bair-Merritt, & Cox (2012) identified only 2 out of 16 interventions that reported father-specific data in a systematic review of programs targeting abuse and neglect risk.…”

Recruiting fathers to parenting programs: Advice from dads and fatherhood program providers

“…The study found that out of 4959 participants in 21 studies across several countries, only 20% of the participants were fathers (Fletcher et al, 2011). Furthermore, a systematic review of father participation in child maltreatment prevention programs, all of which involved a parenting education component, found father participation rates to be less than 30% (Smith, Duggan, Bair-Merritt, & Cox, 2012). These studies reviewed father participation without differentiating between races and ethnic groups.…”

Fathers and Fathering: Social Work Perspectives

“…The systematic review by Smith et al (2012) unearthed 15 studies, but only two of these reported father-specific outcomes. The systematic review by Smith et al (2012) unearthed 15 studies, but only two of these reported father-specific outcomes.…”