Fathering and child maltreatment: understanding the impact of fluidity in fathers’ lives

ABSTRACT Fathers can have a significant impact on their children, yet important gaps in the fathering literature exist. Increasing knowledge of fathers in the child welfare system is important in order to intervene effectively. This study presents findings regarding the ways that fluidity impacts fathers’ parenting. The study sample included 15 fathers in the Mid-Atlantic region who were participating in or had completed a parenting group for child maltreatment. This study was a secondary analysis of qualitative data from a grounded theory study with fathers in the child welfare system in order to examine the impact of fluidity on fathers and fathering. Findings revealed change in multiple areas including: living arrangements, marital status and parenting partners, incarceration, and involvement with children. A better understanding of fluidity in the lives of fathers in the child welfare system is important in efforts to build effective intervention approaches and improve the quality of fathering. Findings suggest the importance of understanding the needs and challenges of these fathers and how fluidity impacts fathers and their children. Implications and recommendations for assessment and intervention are discussed.