Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention Advance Access originally published online on July 17, 2007
Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 2007 7(3):224-238; doi:10.1093/brief-treatment/mhm007
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Preliminary Evaluation of an Intervention Program for Maltreating Fathers
From the Chair, School and Clinical Child Psychology Program, OISE/University of Toronto, CAMH Centre for Prevention Science
Contact author: Katreena L. Scott, OISE/University of Toronto, 252 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1V6. E-mail: kscott{at}oise.utoronto.ca
Caring Dads: Helping Fathers Value Their Children is a unique intervention program designed specifically for men who have maltreated their children and/or who have exposed their children to abuse of their mother. Over a 17-week period, this group targets change in the use of abusive parenting strategies, in attitudes and beliefs that support unhealthy parenting, and in men's appreciation of the impact of violence on children. Herein, we apply a comprehensive evaluation framework to the Caring Dads program. We present evidence that Caring Dads meets a need, has a sound theoretical basis, and can be implemented in a way that meets the needs of stakeholders. Data showing initial support for positive outcomes among fathers participating in Caring Dads are also presented.
KEY WORDS: fathers, child maltreatment, domestic violence, parenting, program evaluation, abuse