A Regional Partnership to Improve Child Welfare and Family Well-Being Through Fatherhood Engagement in Families at Risk of Substance Misuse

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a program aimed at improving well-being and child welfare outcomes among families at risk of substance misuse by engaging fathers in the Bronx and nearby communities. The study focuses on families referred from child welfare systems, substance use disorder treatment providers, and medical providers when there is a risk of substance use concerns. Participants are fathers who have at least one child under 18. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive usual services or enhanced services. The enhanced services include Motivational Enhancement, which is an evidence-based approach to encourage engagement in substance abuse treatment; the HERO Dads Fatherhood Program, which delivers a fatherhood curriculum alongside employment education and parent coaching; Contingency Management to improve attendance and abstinence; and Case Management, which provides referrals to various support resources including substance use treatment, mental health, public assistance, and child services. During the study, researchers monitor child well-being at the start and after six months. Participants' progress through the different services is tracked, and outcomes related to substance use and family well-being are assessed. The involvement period includes baseline and follow-up assessments to evaluate the impact of fatherhood engagement on family outcomes over time.

A Regional Partnership to Improve Outcomes Through Fatherhood Engagement