If you Build it (with them in Mind), They’re more likely to Come: A qualitative study informing Black father engagement in early childhood home visiting programs

Abstract

The role of fathers as caregivers has been evolving over the past four decades, and the strong connection between parenting practices and child development outcomes underscores the need to include both mothers and fathers in early childhood prevention and intervention programs. Black fathers are less likely than other fathers to be engaged in these programs even though their positive involvement in early childhood has been associated with unique developmental benefits and decreased exposure to adverse childhood events. Previous research has not assessed barriers and facilitators of Black father engagement in early childhood home visiting (ECHV) programs specifically, which have the potential to overcome some logistical barriers to father engagement in programming that occurs outside of the home. To fill this gap in the literature, this study involved conducting 37 semi-structured interviews with Black fathers of young children, Black men without children, and mothers of young children with Black fathers to inform Black father engagement in ECHV programs. Qualitative themes included participants welcoming the idea of ECHV and the opportunity for both parents to obtain parenting education, apprehension about the purpose and implications of ECHV services, the impact of the qualities and approach of the home visitor, and the importance of fathers co-developing and meeting shared goals and seeing improvement in child wellbeing. Suggestions for the cultural tailoring and marketing of ECHV programs for Black fathers as well as implications for research and policy are discussed.