Engaging Nonresident Fathers: Exploring Collaborative Competencies in Support of Family-Centered Practice

Abstract

Social service providers in a variety of sectors have struggled to consistently engage nonresident fathers in service provision. A growing body of research indicates that practitioner characteristics and attitudes may help increase retention and engagement among this group of men. These findings coincide with recent mandates from federal policy makers to increase engagement of nonresident fathers in family-centered practice approaches. A central tenet of interest within this framework is the family–professional relationship. Using a collaborative competencies model, the current study seeks to advance this line of research by investigating practitioners’ perceptions of their preparedness to engage nonresident fathers. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were completed with 20 social service practitioners who have experience working with nonresident fathers. A directed content analysis revealed key aspects of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and professional collaborative competencies that practitioners believe are important to facilitate meaningful father engagement. Implications for practice and future research regarding effective social work practice with nonresident fathers are discussed.

Multidimensional social support and parenting among Black fathers: A profile‐oriented approach

“…As practitioners look to engage Black fathers in supportive services, the current findings highlight the fact that Black fathers are not a monolith. As such, formal trainings and policy discussions must begin with reflective processes that help practitioners and policy makers to examine personal and professional biases (Cryer‐Coupet et al, 2021) that may negatively impact the development and implementation of effective evidence‐based programming for Black fathers. Combined with other studies, this work illuminates the humanity and complexity of Black fatherhood and patterns of social support.…”

“…As practitioners look to engage Black fathers in supportive services, the current findings highlight the fact that Black fathers are not a monolith. As such, formal trainings and policy discussions must begin with reflective processes that help practitioners and policy makers to examine personal and professional biases (Cryer-Coupet et al, 2021) 3,5,6,7,8,9,10; 2 < 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,-10; 3,6,7,9 < 5,8,10; 4 < 5,7,8, 3,5,6,7,8,9,10; 2 < 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,-10; 3,6,7,9 < 8,10; 4 < 5,6,8,10; 5 > 7,9; 2 < 5,6,7,8,9,10; 3,4,5 < 6,8,10; 6 > 7,9; 6,9 < 10; 7 < 8,10; 5,6,8,9,10; 2,3 < 6,8,9,10; 4,7 < 8,9,10; 10 > 5,6,8,9 Note:…”

The shadow fathers: Barriers to whole family approach in social work?

“…Social workers' attitudes towards father involvement in interventions are to some extent shaped by their experiences at a personal level (see also Cryer-Coupet et al, 2021). "Certainly, when you work with these guys, you compare it to your own family, your own children, your own parents.…”