The final FRPN webinar featured findings from four FRPN-funded studies dealing with fatherhood in key public policy areas: state laws on access to criminal records and employment, investigations of child maltreatment perpetrated by fathers, including fathers in homeless shelters, and addressing domestic violence in fatherhood programs.

Presenters included:

• Lenna Nepomnyaschy & Allison Dwyer Emory, & Alexandra Haralampoudis. Rutgers University, NJ. State Policies and Employment Outcomes among Fathers with Criminal Records.
• Julia Kobulsky and Rachel Wildfeuer, Temple University, PA. Child Protective Services-Investigated Maltreatment by Fathers: Distinguishing Characteristics and Disparate Outcomes
• Karin Garg & Karen Hudson, Temple University, PA. Exploring Systems Change: Adoption, Implementation, and Consequences of the Inclusion of Fathers with their Families in Homeless Shelters
• Kristie Thomas & Fernando Mederos, Simmons University, MA. Responsible Fatherhood Groups and Domestic Violence Education: An Exploratory Study of Current Practices, Barriers, and Opportunities

View the webinar and download the presenter slides here.

Recently, research funded by the FRPN and conducted at Temple University, Child Protective Services-Investigated Maltreatment by Fathers: Distinguishing Characteristics and Disparate Outcomes, was highlighted by the Temple University College of Public Health.

This study examines situations of fathers involved in maltreatment cases reported to Child Protective Services systems. Among its findings, the research suggests that although father-alone maltreatment was associated with less severe physical abuse behavior, child maltreatment cases involving fathers are more likely to lead to criminal investigations.

According to researcher Julia Kobulsky, “In lower risk (CPS) cases, appropriate services for fathers may successfully prevent harm and preserve family relationships.”