A Father-Friendliness Survey: How Do Community Organizations and Schools Report Engaging Fathers?

• In Event: Parents as Vital Collaborators

Abstract

This community-based participatory project explored levels of father-friendliness across local organizations, agencies, and schools. Members of a fatherhood coalition created an electronic survey to gather quantitative and qualitative information from individuals in the community who work with children and families. The goal was to use that information to guide efforts in supporting greater father engagement across various sectors. A mixed methods approach was used to analyze survey responses (N=122), which led to descriptive and comparative results of quantitative data and thematic findings of qualitative responses. Results showed that most communities and schools are doing little to provide services for fathers or address paternal bias, with K-12 schools showing the lowest levels of father-friendliness. Implications for communities and schools are discussed.

Authors

• Kyle Elizabeth Miller, Illinois State University
  Presenting Author

• Jordan Arellanes
  Non-Presenting Author