Projects

Parents and Children Together (PACT)

2011–2020

Project Overview

Objective

The Parents and Children Together (PACT) evaluation is a large-scale, multi-component project intended to broaden our understanding of Responsible Fatherhood (RF) and Healthy Marriage (HM) programs. 

Project Motivation

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aims to provide Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) services to help interested couples and fathers enhance or improve adult and parent-child relationships and meet other objectives. ACF is also interested in learning about the challenges and successes of service implementation, the needs and experiences of participants, and the effectiveness of these services. 

Partners in Progress

Responsible Fatherhood program leaders in:

  • Kansas City, KS
  • Kansas City, MO
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
Prepared For

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation

PACT challenges the negative perception that fathers with low income who live apart from their children are not interested in assuming the role and responsibilities of fatherhood. In many cases, fathers faced adversities in childhood and as adults, but were motivated to turn their lives around.
Past and ongoing economic instability, often linked with a history of incarceration and a criminal record, were significant barriers to fathers’ ability to support themselves and their children. However, the responsible fatherhood programs in PACT showed some success in improving fathers’ parenting behaviors and employment stability.
Project Impact

Supporting the Fatherhood Journey

With more than 5,500 dads participating in the PACT evaluation, and 2,500 receiving program services, we’ve paved the way for more effective programs that aim to help fathers become better parents, providers, and partners.

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