| Roundtable: Fathers Can Talk About Kids Too: An Evaluation of Fathers' Involvement in a Parent Training Program |
| Roundtable Presentation 772 to be held in Suwannee 19 on Saturday, Nov 14, 10:55 AM to 11:40 AM |
| Sponsored by the Independent Consulting TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Abraham Salinas, University of South Florida, asalinas@health.usf.edu |
| JC Smith, University of South Florida, jcsmith6@mail.usf.edu |
| Abstract: This roundtable session will focus on a qualitative evaluation using focus group interviews with male caregivers who participated in the Helping Our Toddlers Developing Our Children's Skills (HOT DOCS) program. This session will consider the emerging themes identified through the focus groups that reflects the fathers' experiences and motivation to participate in a parent training program. We conducted 3 focus groups, composed of male caregivers including biological and adoptive fathers. A set of open ended questions was developed to assess reasons for attending HOT DOCS, experiences in the training, perceived facilitators and barriers to participation , as well as identification of perceived strengths and weaknesses of the program. Implications for program improvement are identified to make it appealing to prospective male caregivers. This roundtable is aimed particularly to demonstrate the strengths of qualitative methods in the field of evaluation and lessons learned from the field. |