Intervention for fathers to reduce family violence and improve child mental health

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial tests the effectiveness of the Fathers for Change (F4C) program compared to standard Batterer Intervention Programs (BIPs) for fathers with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV). The study aims to determine if F4C can more effectively reduce family violence and improve mental health outcomes for children exposed to IPV. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the F4C intervention or a standard BIP, with a focus on understanding the emotional regulation and reflective functioning of fathers. The trial addresses the urgent need for interventions that consider the complexities of fatherhood and co-parenting in the context of IPV.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* have at least one 6 month to 12-year-old biological child with whom they have contact;
* had an incident of IPV within the last 12 months prior to screening with their child's mother (based on court/police records, coparent or self-report);
* have a currently open or recently investigated (in the last 6 months) case with CT DCF
* are able to complete assessments in English or Spanish;
* agree to have their female coparents (mother of target child) contacted as collateral informants and for consent for participation of their child. If a participant has more than one child in the age range, the youngest will be selected;
* female coparents (i.e., biological mother who need not be in a relationship with the father) consents to (at minimum) provide parent-report on child; however, may opt out of child participation. If the coparent agrees to participate by providing caregiver-report on child symptoms, but declines participation of their shared child, the father may still participate in the study if he meets eligibility criteria outlined below; thus, preventing any possible retaliation against co-parents for not consenting to child participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

Fathers will be excluded based on the following exclusion criteria:

* an active full/no contact protective order pertaining to their child because this will preclude participation in the father-child play assessment (many men will have protective orders pertaining to their partners, but it is more common for men to still be allowed contact with their children);
* physiological addiction to a substance that requires detoxification. Fathers will be evaluated using the Drug Abuse Screening Test and AUDIT. If fathers report significant difficulties with physiological withdrawal (e.g., alcohol tremors or dope sickness) they will be referred for detox services. They can be re-evaluated following a detox program with documentation from the detox center of successful completion and clean urine screen;
* cognitive impairment that will not allow for understanding of the study interventions (a mini mental state score \<25);
* current untreated psychotic disorder;
* currently suicidal or homicidal ideation based on screening using the BSI; or
* previously participated in F4C or a BIP.

Where it's running

• Yale
  New Haven, Connecticut, United States Recruiting
• UCONN Health Center
  West Hartford, Connecticut, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Carla S Stover, PhD — Yale University
• Study coordinator: Carla S Stover, PhD
• Email: carla.stover@yale.edu
• Phone: 2037853486

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Integrated family and economic empowerment program to prevent child maltreatment in Kyrgyzstan

  A family-based program is being tested to see if it reduces risk of child maltreatment and improves kids’ self-regulation and school adjustment in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

  Recruiting The University of Texas at Arlington · Bishkek · NCT07712822

• Reducing Parental Substance Use and Boosting Family Resilience in Rural Ohio

  This study tests whether nearby substance use treatment referrals and family peer mentoring through Ohio START help rural parents reduce substance use and improve child and family wellbeing.

  Recruiting Ohio State University · Columbus, Ohio · NCT07278427

• How women experience a resilience-based program after partner violence

  See how a resilience-based program fits and helps women who have experienced intimate partner violence.

  Recruiting Uppsala University · Uppsala, Uppsala County · NCT07235722

• Virtual Safe Dates program for pregnant and parenting youth

  We're testing whether delivering the Safe Dates program online helps pregnant or parenting youth have less intimate partner violence than an online health education program.

  Recruiting RTI International · Durham, North Carolina · NCT07226401

• Program to restore resilience and reduce PTSD after military sexual trauma or intimate partner violence with brain injury

  This trial tests whether adding a web-based emotion regulation program to exposure therapy helps female Veterans with military sexual trauma or intimate partner violence and a history of brain injury reduce PTSD symptoms.

  Recruiting Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · Houston, Texas · NCT06988787

• Mentalization-based therapy for parents with trauma histories

  This study is testing a new parenting program designed to help parents with trauma histories better understand their own and their children's emotions to improve their relationships and reduce stress.

  Recruiting University Diego Portales · Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan · NCT06889519

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.