Resources
Reports and Presentations
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Father Factors (What social science research tells us about fathers and how to work with them.) (pdf 948kb)
This report, prepared by FIRA communications coordinator, John Hoffman, with the help of a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada, summaries and constructs meaning of selected research and other relevant publications with respect to the following themes: • External and contextual influences on the fatherhood role; • The influence of mothers/partners on the fatherhood role; • Father-child attachment/relationships; • Fathers’ influences on mothering in early parenting; • Vulnerable and marginalized fathers; and • Father-oriented programming. Father Factors cites some 130 research articles and other relevant documents, most of were published in the last ten years and about half of which are Canadian. Hard copies of Father Factors are available from the Father Involvement Initiative - Ontario Network (FII-ON), and the BC Council For Families. -
A Conceptual Framework for Orienting Services to Separating or Divorced Fathers (Text version) (pdf 119kb)
The authors have developed a framework for thinking about what kinds of services and programs would be appropriate for separating fathers (which can apply to mothers as well). These fall into three key domains: facilitating fathers’ parenting and their adaptation to structural changes affecting the entire family, the process of emotional and legal separation from a partner/significant other or spouse, and their individual emotional and psycho-social needs. This framework was presented as a research poster in Octobe 2008 at the Father Involvement 2008 Diversity, Visibility, Community conference in Toronto. -
Orienting Services to Separated and Divorced Fathers (Poster) (A conceptual framework) (pdf 44kb)
This poster, presented at Father Involvement 2008, Diversity Visibility Community is a visual representation of a conceptual framework for orienting services for separated and divorced fathers. -
Understanding and Supporting Indigenous Fathers’ Journeys (pdf 989kb)
Research poster based on the work of FIRA’s Indigenous Fathers Cluster, presented at the 3rd biannual conference of the Living Knowledge Network, Belfast, August 2009. -
Community University Partnership Research (Steps towards a negotiated social justice) (pdf 676kb)
Research poster presented at the 3 biannual conference of the Living Knowledge, Belfast, August, 2009. -
Engaging Boys and Men to Achieve Gender Equality (How can we build on what we have learned?) (pdf 2.60Mb)
This report, from the International Centre on Research on Women and Institute Promundo, presents information and recommendations on the most effective ways to work with men and boys to promote gender equality, reduce gender-based violence and promote sexual and reproductive health. The ideas in this report were gathered at a one-day interational meeting which took place in Washington. D.C. on May, 29, 2007. -
The Effects of Father Involvement - An Updated Research Summary of the Evidence (pdf 825kb)
Authored by Sarah Allen and Kerry Daly. This paper provides an overview of the way that men approach parenting and the effects that their involvement has on their children’s development. The report includes research on child development outcomes; father absence; men’s development; co-parental relationships; non-residential fathers; fathers, work, and family; and measures of father involvement. Follow link to PDF of article. -
Father’s Involvement As A Determinant of Children’s Health (Brief Version) (pdf 670kb)
This is the short version of a report, prepared for the Public Health Agency of Canada, which offers an assessment of the strength of current research evidence supporting a view that a father’s involvement plays a significant role in determining child health outcomes. -
Father’s Involvement As A Determinant of Children’s Health (Full Version) (pdf 750kb)
This report, prepared for the Public Health Agency of Canada, offers an assessment of research knowledge and a theoretical framework for understanding the role that fathers play and can play in the healthy development of children. -
Inventory of Policies and Policy Areas Influencing Father Involvement (pdf 2.38Mb)
Authored by Donna S. Lero, Lynda M. Ashbourne, and Denise L. Whitehead. This policy inventory was developed to complement the research and outreach activities of the Father Involvement Research Alliance (FIRA) project. The inventory identifies the various ways current policies and institutional practices may affect fathers in diverse subpopulations and social circumstances across Canada. Follow link to PDF of inventory. -
Aboriginal Fathers Learning Fathering: Overview of project in progress (pdf 402kb)
Authored by Jessica Ball, Candice Manahan, Leroy Joe, and Ron George. Link to PDF of progress report from the aboriginal fathers research cluster. Includes overview of literature review, demographic profile, and findings from interviews with aboriginal fathers. -
Policies and Practices Affecting Aboriginal Fathers’ Involvement (Presentation at Second Tri-Annual Aboriginal Policy Research Conference) (pdf 193kb)
Authored by Jessica Ball and Ron George. This paper offers a perspective on how Canadian federal and provincial policies and practices may be affecting Aboriginal fathers’ involvement with their children. Includes key findings and implications for changing social policies. Follow link to PDF of presentation paper. -
Measuring Father Involvement (doc 43kb)
Authored by Sarah Allen and Kerry Daly. An overview of some of the main ways father involvement has been measured, including measurement limitations and factors that interact with father involvement. Follow link to document. -
Gay Fathers Cluster Executive Summary (Father Involvement Community Research Forum Spring 2006 - Early Results) (pdf 161kb)
Authored by Rachel Epstein and Scott Duggan. A summary of research into factors relating to parenting by non-heterosexual fathers. Preliminary results include the extreme invisibility of gay fathers, issues of entitlement and pride, disclosure of sexual orientation to children and spouse, and becoming fathers as gay men. Follow link to PDF of summary. -
Immigrant Fathers Cluster Executive Summary ( Father Involvement Community Research Forum Spring 2006 - Early Results) (pdf 147kb)
Authored by David Este. A summary of research into stress factors relating to parenting by immigrant fathers. Stress factors for immigrant fathers include underemployment or unemployment, social isolation, barriers to helping services, role reversal, and trauma induced by war or enforced refugee status . Follow link to PDF of summary.
