Goodwill of Central Texas: Fatherhood Works Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Program Evaluation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Goodwill of Central Texas seeks to understand if the format of delivery (in-person as compared to virtual) of an evidence-based, core skill-based curriculum impacts parent-child relationship quality for low-income fathers and father figures in Central Texas.

Detailed Description
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This evaluation seeks to understand the positive and/or negative impacts of the virtual administration of an evidence-based core curriculum, as compared to in-person administration. Because there are pros and cons with each service delivery format, is not clear whether a particular service delivery method will be more effective for program participants. Virtual services may reduce barriers to program enrollment and retention, such as transportation or childcare challenges, that could increase the likelihood that participants are able to complete curriculum aimed at improving parenting, relationship, employment, and financial behaviors. However, virtual services may not be as effective as in-person services if participants are not getting the same peer bonding and support in a virtual setting. GCT seeks to understand if the format of delivery (in-person as compared to virtual) of an evidence-based, core skill-based curriculum impacts parent-child relationship quality for low-income fathers and father figures in Central Texas. This research will make a significant contribution to the evidence base for the field of fatherhood, because effective approaches to social service programming in a post-COVID-19 environment of increased social distancing must be identified in order to prepare for ongoing and future challenges.

Official Title
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Goodwill of Central Texas: Fatherhood Works Program Evaluation

Conditions
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Fathers

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Intervention #1: Fatherhood Works Program Delivered to Participants


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Father figure Child up to 24 years of age Resides in Central Texas Adult (age 18 and older) Exclusion Criteria: Minor (under the age of 18) Not a father/father figure Resides outside of Central Texas Child is older than 24 years of age

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Participants receive 26 hours of Nurturing Fathers curriculum, delivered in person or virtually over Zoom. Participants also receive employment supports, case management, and financial literacy training.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Fatherhood Works Program delivered in-person<br>Participants receive 26 hours of Nurturing Fathers curriculum, delivered in person. Participants also receive employment supports, case management, and financial literacy training. | Other: Intervention #1: Fatherhood Works Program Delivered to Participants<br>* Participants receive 26 hours of Nurturing Fathers curriculum, delivered in person. Participants also receive employment supports, case management, and financial literacy training.<br>|
| Experimental: Fatherhood Works Program delivered virtually<br>Participants receive 26 hours of Nurturing Fathers curriculum, delivered virtually over Zoom. Participants also receive employment supports, case management, and financial literacy training. | Other: Intervention #1: Fatherhood Works Program Delivered to Participants<br>* Participants receive 26 hours of Nurturing Fathers curriculum, delivered in person. Participants also receive employment supports, case management, and financial literacy training.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Parenting Behavior measurement #1 | 1a) Will participants report significantly healthier parenting behavior after completing primary educational services and employment support services? Items measured include: Parenting behavior and interaction with children measured with: 7 items - frequency engaging in key behaviors (categories, 5-point scale) Measured on the Healthy Parenting Behavior Scale #1 as: 1 = never, 2 = 1 to 2 days per month, 3= 3 or 4 days per month, 4 = 2 or 3 days per week, 5 = every day or almost every day The higher the rating, the better the score. | Change from baseline in parenting behavior (interaction with child) from enrollment to 12-month follow-up | 
| Parenting Behavior measurement #2 | 1b) Will participants report significantly healthier parenting behavior after completing primary educational services and employment support services? Items measured include: Parenting behavior and interaction with children measured with: 1 item - frequency communicating with child (categories, 4-point scale) Measured on the Healthy Parenting Behavior Scale #2 as: 1 = every day or almost every day, 2 = One to three times a week, 3= One to three times in the past month, 4 = Never in the past month The lower the rating, the better the score. | Change from baseline in parenting behavior (communication with child) from enrollment to 12-month follow-up | 
| Co-parenting Behavior measurement #1 | 2) Will participants report significantly healthier co-parenting behavior after completing primary educational services and employment support services? Items measured include: Co-parenting behavior and interaction with the other parent of the child measured with: 11 items - level of agreement with key co-parenting interaction behaviors (categories, 4-point scale) Measured on the Healthy Co-parenting Behavior Scale #1 as: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3= Neutral, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree For 6 items, the lower the rating, the better the score. 5 items are reverse coded, with a higher rating indicating a better score. | Change from baseline in co-parenting behavior (interaction with co-parent) from enrollment to 12-month follow-up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Healthy Parenting Attitudes Measurement #1 | Will participants report significantly healthier parenting attitudes after completing primary educational services and employment support services? Items measured include: Parenting attitudes measured with: 7 items - frequency of key parenting attitudes toward children (categories, 5-point scale) Measured on the Healthy Parenting Attitude Scale #1 as: 1 = Always, 2 = Often, 3= Sometimes, 4 = Rarely, 5 = Never For 3 items, the lower the rating, the better the score. 4 items are reverse coded, with a higher rating indicating a better score. | Change from baseline in parenting attitudes (attitudes toward child) from enrollment to 12-month follow-up |