Intervention Before the Intervention: Lessons Learned in Developing the Fathers and Sons Program

Previous research suggests that fathers can have positive influences on the health and well-being of their children. Unfortunately, most programs designed to prevent youth risky health behaviors do not involve fathers. Interventions with nonresident fathers are especially lacking because their residential status is often equated with being absent in their children's lives. Recent studies have found that some nonresident fathers are willing to participate in parenting skills interventions designed to improve outcomes for their children. The Fathers and Sons Program is one example of a family-centered, culturally-based intervention for nonresident African American fathers and their preadolescent sons. This intervention program is designed to prevent youth risky health behaviors by strengthening relationships between nonresident fathers and sons. A total of 287 families participated in the evaluation of the program, which demonstrated successful outcomes for both fathers and sons. A community-based participatory research approach was used for program development. Several community-based organizations, the public health department and a local university formed the steering committee that guided program development, implementation, and evaluation. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss key lessons learned about working in a community-academic partnership to develop the Fathers and Sons Program. Insights about what needed to happen between partners prior to intervention development will be shared. The role of nonresident fathers and sons in designing the program and effective strategies for recruitment and retention of families will be discussed. These lessons may be beneficial to future family-centered interventions involving fathers--particularly nonresident African American fathers and their sons.