A Systematic Review of the Presence of Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Practice in Fatherhood Promotion Programs

Purpose: Despite knowledge generated from decades of research concerning fathers’ unique position to positively impact the lives of their children and families, the presence of strong fathering continues to lack in the lives of many individuals and families throughout the United States. In response to such conditions, various organizations known as fatherhood promotion programs have been created in order to provide fathers of all ages, races, religions, and cultures the support and education that they need in order to enhance their own lives and the lives of their family and children. Despite the good that they do, it is unclear as to what extent, if any, these programs are based on empirical evidence. To this end, the current paper examines the extent to which six U.S.-based fatherhood promotion programs implement evidence-based practice into their services to first-time fathers.

Method: We conducted a systematic review of the extent to which several fatherhood programs (i.e., Parenting Together, Young Dads) utilized evidence-based practice to meet the needs of first-time fathers. The goal of the review as to synthesize research over the past 15 years (2000 to present) that examine the implementation of research evidence into what has been termed “responsible fatherhood programs.” Best practices for systematic reviews were implemented by using the AMSTAR and PRISMA guidelines. PsychINFO, Social Work Abstracts, Families & Society Studies Worldwide, Sociological Abstracts, and Social Service Abstracts were searched for studies in the given time frame. Hand searches of several journals, including Family Relations, Social Service Review, and Fathering were also conducted. From the potentially relevant studies gleaned for review, preliminary criteria identified approximately 25 studies (published and unpublished) for inclusion. Based on Cooper’s Method-Description Approach, a data-coding sheet was used to code the implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches in fatherhood programs.

Results: In line with the findings of Bronte-Tinkew and colleagues (2007), the implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed practice we grouped our results into the following domains: co-parenting, healthy romantic relationships, minimizing risky behavior (such as drug and alcohol abuse), and obtaining work skills and employment. However, the use of research evidence in developing these programmatic domains was mixed—with the evidence base informing risky behavior and employment more frequently than the areas dealing with interpersonal relationships. Many programs also identified several barriers to participation in their programs, although evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies to overcome these issues are not prevalent in the literature or the respective programs.

Implications: The presence of evidence-based practice in fatherhood promotion programs is essential to the provision of effective services to fathers and families; unfortunately, it is currently an under-researched aspect of fatherhood promotion programs. This study provides a missing link in the fatherhood program literature and offers directions for improvement in future research and clinical practice in these programs.