Enhanced Fatherhood Program for Parenting Skills

Overseen By Kaela Byers, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Kansas

Disqualifiers: Incarceration

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines the effectiveness of an enhanced version of the Fatherhood FIRE Program in helping dads improve their parenting skills. The research aims to determine if the enhanced program is more effective than the regular one. Fathers with children up to 24 years old who are already part of the Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE Program may be suitable participants. The trial includes two groups: one will continue with the usual program, while the other will try the enhanced version. As an unphased trial, this study offers fathers a unique opportunity to contribute to the improvement of parenting programs.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this program is safe for participants?

A previous study showed that the Enhanced Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE Program helps fathers improve their parenting skills, relationships, and financial stability. This program is not a medical treatment but a set of services designed to support fathers in becoming more involved and responsible parents.

As it is not a medication or medical procedure, no reports of physical side effects or negative effects exist. The program includes activities and support to help fathers connect better with their families. Participants found it helpful in building stronger family bonds and improving their roles as fathers. Overall, the program is considered safe, focusing on personal growth and family relationship skills. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Enhanced Fatherhood Program because it aims to improve parenting skills with a fresh approach. Unlike the standard Fatherhood FIRE program, which offers typical support services, the enhanced version includes additional resources and personalized guidance to better equip fathers in their parenting roles. This enhancement could lead to more effective parenting outcomes, which is a promising development for strengthening family dynamics.

What evidence suggests that this trial's programs could be effective for improving parenting skills?

Research has shown that the Enhanced Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE Program, available to participants in this trial, helps dads improve parenting skills, co-parenting, and time spent with their kids. Studies have found that fathers in this program develop better relationships with their children and partners. The program includes sessions on parenting, building relationships, and financial stability. Past participants reported positive changes in handling family interactions and communication. Overall, the program aims to help fathers become more involved and effective parents. Meanwhile, the control group in this trial will receive the 'services as usual' Fatherhood program. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jared L Barton, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Kansas

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for fathers with children up to 24 years old who are already participating in the Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE Program. Fathers who are currently incarcerated cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a father with children who are 24 years old or younger.

Fathers participating in the Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE Program

Exclusion Criteria

Fathers who are incarcerated

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-intervention

Initial assessment of participants' parenting, relationship, and co-parenting skills

1 week

Program Implementation

Participants engage in the Fatherhood FIRE program to improve parenting and relationship skills

16 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for sustained changes in skills and engagement post-program

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Enhanced Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE Program
• Services as Usual Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE Program

Trial Overview The study evaluates two versions of the Fatherhood FIRE Program: an enhanced version and the standard 'services as usual' version, to see which one better improves fatherhood and family relationships.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Enhanced Treatment Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Randomized group of participants receiving an enhanced Fatherhood FIRE program.

Group II: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Randomized group of participants receiving the 'services as usual' Fatherhood program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Kansas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

157

Recruited

332,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The educational program for fathers significantly improved father-infant interaction scores, particularly in caregiving aspects, suggesting that targeted education can enhance parenting skills.

While the program did not show significant changes in infant development knowledge or father-infant attachment, it indicates that hybrid educational approaches can be effective in fostering better interactions between fathers and their infants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a hybrid online and offline program for facilitating father-infant interactions in South Korea: a quasi-experimental study. Park, SE., Bang, KS.[2022]

The fatherhood training program by REACHUP, Inc. showed significant improvements in participants' self-awareness, fathering skills, and relationship skills, with pretest scores averaging 8.90 and posttest scores averaging 16.42 out of 22, indicating a strong positive impact over five years.

Attendance in the program nearly doubled from 55 participants in 2013 to 97 in 2017, highlighting a growing recognition of the importance of male involvement in parenting, with benefits extending to non-biological fathers like grandfathers and uncles.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a 24/7 Dad® Curriculum in Improving Father Involvement: Profiles of Engagement. Wilson, RE., Obure, R., Omokaro, P., et al.[2022]

Current early parenting programs primarily target mothers, which may limit the involvement of fathers in family support initiatives.

The paper highlights barriers to father involvement in these programs and suggests that insights from European and international fatherhood research can help create more inclusive strategies to engage fathers effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Fathers in Early Parenting Programs. Impulses from the European and International Fatherhood Research]. Ahnert, L.[2022]

A parenting education program for first-time fathers of 5-month-old infants was perceived as useful, highlighting that fathers have different educational needs compared to mothers.

The program, which included videotaped self-modeling and feedback, showed that fathers who participated improved their interaction with their infants, suggesting its potential effectiveness in public health settings, although demographic factors did not predict which fathers benefited.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Strengthening new fathers' skills in interaction with their 5-month-old infants: who benefits from a brief intervention? Benzies, K., Magill-Evans, J., Harrison, MJ., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. sswr.confex.com sswr.confex.com/sswr/2026/webprogram/Paper60956.html

Impact Evaluation of the Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE ... This study evaluates the program's effectiveness in improving parenting skills, co-parenting quality, and father-child engagement among community-based fathers.

2. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/189325?per_page=20&only_recruiting=0&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_eligible=0&only_active=0

Local Evaluation of the Saint Francis Ministries Fatherho... Enhanced Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE Program ... Fathers receive an enhanced series of pro-parenting, relationship, and economic stability ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-2022-aaab0

Enhanced Fatherhood Program for Parenting Skills This trial evaluates the Fatherhood FIRE Program, which helps fathers improve their parenting skills and relationships. It targets fathers aged 18 and older ...

4. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT05097833/local-evaluation-of-the-saint-francis-ministries-fatherhood-fire-program

Local Evaluation of the Saint Francis Ministries Fatherhood ... This study is the local process and impact evaluation for Saint Francis Ministries' Fatherhood FIRE Program.

5. saintfrancisministries.org saintfrancisministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SFM-Impact-Report-FY25.pdf

HOPE IN EVERY STORY A federally funded grant program, Fatherhood FIRE focuses on teaching men and women the skills they need to be better parents. Comprised of ...

6. saintfrancisministries.org saintfrancisministries.org/fatherhood-fire-builds-better-fathers-stronger-families/

Fatherhood FIRE builds better fathers, stronger families The greatest success of Fatherhood FIRE lies in its ability to show broken fathers that their own purpose is bigger than themselves.