Evaluating How Course Modality Influences the Effectiveness of the R3 Academy for Dads

Summary

The Cal-FIRE project is designed to offer the R3 Academy for Dads, a robust 24-hour program, to predominantly low-income adult fathers, ages 18 and over in the state of California. The R3 Academy is an evidence-based parenting curriculum that helps fathers strengthen their relationships with their child, with their spouse/co-parent, and at work. The program also includes two evidence-based components that address economic stability and an innovative approach to Case Management that fosters client self-direction. The R3 Academy curricula will be delivered in both English and Spanish through two modalities: 1) live classes and 2) livestream classes via a video conferencing platform. The Local Evaluation will examine how modality, or in other words attending a live class versus a livestream class, influences the effectiveness of responsible fatherhood education when it comes to father involvement and coparenting. The question of modality is a timely one. In the COVID-19 era, many programs have become exclusively online-but the potential impact on effectiveness is not well known. Data from this study will help illuminate what can be gained or jeopardized in a world increasingly moving toward modes of virtual engagement. Specifically, the current evaluation will explore potential similarities and differences related to the implementation of the two modalities and their influence of father outcomes. Specific research questions include:

RQ1: How do live (control) and livestream (treatment) responsible fatherhood workshops compare on father involvement outcomes? RQ2: How do live (control) and livestream (treatment) workshops compare on father involvement outcomes? RQ3: Do program effects last beyond program completion?

Conditions

• Program Modality

Interventions

OTHER

Livestream Modality (treatment)

For this evaluation, the livestream modality is considered the treatment.

OTHER

Live Modality (control)

For this evaluation, the live or in-person modality is considered the control group.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Healthy Relationships California

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Kevin Shafer, PhD · Brigham Young University

• Jason Krafsky · Healthy Relationships California

• Patty Howell · Healthy Relationships California

• Dyann Collins · Healthy Relationships California

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-10-01

Primary Completion

2025-09-30

Completion

2025-09-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations