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

Examining Therapeutic Change Mechanisms in an Affect Regulation, Father-Focused Intervention for Reducing Family Violence and Associated Symptoms in Children

This study tests if a new program for fathers can better reduce family violence and improve the mental health of children who have been affected by it compared to standard programs.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 1080 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Yale University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (New Haven, Connecticut and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06074068 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are fathers with at least one biological child aged 6 months to 12 years who have experienced IPV within the last year.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had any incidents of IPV or do not have contact with their biological children may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce family violence and improve the mental health of children affected by IPV.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for father-focused interventions in reducing family violence and improving child outcomes, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut and 1 other locations

• 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

Conditions Intimate Partner Violence; Child Maltreatment