A randomized pilot trial of two parenting interventions for fathers in residential substance use disorder treatment

Residential substance misuse treatment programs for men typically do not integrate treatment for intimate partner violence (IPV) or parenting despite significant overlap between substance misuse, IPV and child maltreatment. A randomized trial compared two fatherhood focused interventions in 6-month residential substance misuse treatment programs. Fathers for Change (F4C) is an integrated intervention targeting IPV and child maltreatment. Dads 'n' Kids (DNK) is a psychoeducational intervention focused on child development and behavioral parenting skills. Sixty-two fathers were randomly assigned to F4C or DNK. They received 12 weeks of individual treatment while in the residential facility and were offered 4 aftercare sessions following discharge. They were assessed prior to treatment, at the time of residential discharge, following completion of the intervention booster sessions, and 3 months following intervention. Overall, both groups showed significant reductions in affect dysregulation, anger, and IPV. F4C fathers showed significantly greater decreases in affect dysregulation problems. There were no significant differences between groups on IPV but men who received F4C may have been less likely to use substances after leaving residential treatment. Integration of fatherhood focused interventions were possible and welcomed by residents at the facilities. F4C showed some benefit over DNK in terms of affect dysregulation symptoms and substance use relapse.