An outcome study of a program for noncustodial fathers: Program impact on child support payments, visitation, and the coparenting relationship
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of a noncustodial fathers program on fathers' child support payments, visitation, and his coparenting relationship with the custodial mother. Research has documented the decline in father's participation in child rearing once he is out of the home and the deleterious effects of father absence on children's development. Forty noncustodial fathers participated in a 10-week program designed to encourage noncustodial fathers increased involvement with their children. Compared to a control group (n = 13) program participants were more likely to pay the full amount of their court-ordered child support and have more contact with their children. Fathers in the program also reported having more confidence in their ability to take care of their children and meet their emotional needs after completing the program. They were also more likely to be authoritative in disciplining their children and less likely to be permissive and authoritarian after treatment. In addition, results indicated that the program helped fathers improve their coparenting relationship with the custodial mother. Fathers in the treatment group reported more cooperation with the mother than the control group. They also expressed less hostility towards the child's mother after treatment. Results showed further that fathers who improved their parenting skills and their coparenting relationship significantly increased the amount of contact with their child. Finally, the results revealed that fathers who increased the amount of contact with their children also significantly increased their child support payments. Implications of the results for welfare reform, program development, and further research are discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Thomas, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology
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