Engaging fathers in child protection services: A review of factors and strategies across ecological systems

Abstract

Current policy regarding child protection services places increasing demands for providers to engage fathers whose children are involved in the child protection process. This requisite brings to the fore the ongoing challenges that fathers have historically faced in working within these systems. Despite this need, there is little empirical evidence regarding the factors and strategies that impact the engagement of fathers in interventions relevant to child protection services. This comprehensive and systemic review synthesizes the available literature regarding factors and strategies that may foster paternal involvement in the child protection system and their services. We organize the literature concerning paternal engagement in child and family services around an ecological model that examines paternal engagement from individual, family, service provider, program, community, and policy levels. We consider factors and strategies along a continuum of engagement through intent to enroll, enrollment, and retention. This review advances theory by elucidating key factors that foster father engagement. The review also highlights the gaps in the literature and provides strategies for how researchers can address these areas. Future directions in the arenas of practice and policy are discussed.

Enhancing Father Engagement in Parenting Programs: Translating Research into Practice Recommendations

“…Rather than imposing a view of fathers’ deficits, it may be useful to work with fathers to understand their specific strengths and needs in order to enhance engagement (Duggan et al, ). Collaboratively identifying key areas for skill‐building with fathers may assist them to maintain an involved role with their children and increase their capacity to parent effectively (Gordon, Oliveros, Hawes, Iwamoto, & Rayford, ).…”

Gender‐sensitive intervention to improve work with fathers in child welfare services

“…Featherstone 2003;Featherstone et al 2014;Osborn 2014), difficulties of engaging fathers (e.g. Ferguson 2011;Gordon et al 2012) and barriers to and facilitators of father engagement (e.g. Maxwell et al 2012;Zanoni et al 2013).…”

Fathers and Fathering: Social Work Perspectives

“…Initial engagement is one aspect of the social work process, but fathers also need to enroll in social work interventions and then stay involved (Gordon et al, 2012). Initial engagement is one aspect of the social work process, but fathers also need to enroll in social work interventions and then stay involved (Gordon et al, 2012).…”

“…Gordon et al (2012) provide a useful review and ecological analysis which separates out individual, family, service provider, program, community, and policy levels. The barriers are many, and concern the attitudes of mothers and the reluctance of fathers themselves in many cases, as well as the roles of practitioners .…”