Father Involvement
A recent study of how First 5 in Orange County can support the role of fathers in the lives of their young children.
Minicucci Associates conducted a study of how First 5 in Orange County can encourage greater involvement of fathers in the lives of young children. The study included:
- Focus groups with fathers and home visitors in Orange County
- An online survey of managers and staff in family support programs
- Key informant interviews
- Review of research on the father’s role in child development and in breastfeeding
Findings from the study
Programs funded by the Commission serving families in Orange County want to involve fathers more in their programs. Most of the children served in the Commission’s programs are living with their mother and their father. Program staff report they need information on best practices, training for staff, materials geared to fathers and more male staff. Programs successfully engaging fathers reported ways they are overcoming barriers and successfully engaging fathers. Read Executive Summary
Fathers play a key role in child development, both in their one on one relationship with the child and in their role of providing tangible and emotional support to the mother. Learn More
Fathers play a key role in breastfeeding: from the time a woman decides to breastfeed in early pregnancy to how long she breastfeeds her baby. The father’s support is second only to the response of the baby in a woman’s decision to continue breastfeeding. Learn More
The Children & Families Commission of Orange County retained Walter R. McDonald & Associates, Inc. of Sacramento to explore how programs funded by the Commission might support the engagement of fathers with their young children. Minicucci Associates of Sacramento, a subcontractor to WRMA, conducted the Father Engagement study.
