SafeCare Dad to Kids Program (Dad2K)

About the program

The SafeCare Dad to Kids Program (Dad2K) is an adaptation of the standard SafeCare structured training program designed specifically for fathers of children aged 0 to 5 years, reported for child abuse and/or neglect. The main adaptations in Dad2K are the introduction of interactive technology via a tablet computer that delivers multimodal learning and modeling of SafeCare target skills through dynamic software-based activities, and the addition (to session 4) of a co-parenting component guided by the “Talking with Mom” workbook created by the National Fatherhood Initiative.

SafeCare is premised on an eco-behavioural model to address the causes of physical abuse and neglect. This model recognises the need for interventions of differing levels to address maltreatment, and the need to target skills and behaviours in ways that serve to sustain change. This can involve ongoing measurement of observable behaviours, skills modelling, practice and feedback, and training parents to criterion in observable skills. SafeCare is delivered by specifically trained personnel.

See also SafeCare+ Program Summary in the Preventing Child Maltreatment Evidence Review.

See also SafeCare and SafeCare+ Program Summaries in the Reducing Child Harm and Maltreatment Evidence Review.

Who does it work for?

One study of SafeCare Dad2K was identified. The program was delivered to fathers in the USA. A randomised experimental design study was conducted with a sample of 99 fathers, of whom 93% were Black, 2% Native American and 2% “other” (Self-Brown et al. 2017). Half were unemployed, and 71% reported an annual income below US$25,000.

This review did not identify any evidence that the program has been evaluated in Australia.

What outcomes does it contribute to?

Positive outcomes:

Parenting skills: Self-Brown et al. (2017) found a statistically significant improvement in parenting skills for the intervention group.

No effect:

Self-Brown et al. (2017) found a decrease in neglectful behaviours in the intervention group, but this was not statistically significant.

Corporal/physical punishment/discipline: Self-Brown et al. (2017) found a reduction in the use of corporal punishment in the intervention group, but this was not statistically significant.

Non-violent discipline: Self-Brown et al. (2017) found a decrease in the use of non-violent discipline in the intervention group, but this was not statistically significant.

Psychological aggression: When the program was tailored for fathers, there was a decrease in psychological aggression in the intervention group, but this was not statistically significant (Self-Brown et al. 2017).

Negative outcomes:

None.

Is the program effective?

Overall, the program had a mixed effect on client outcomes.

How strong is the evidence?

• At least one high-quality RCT/QED study reports statistically significant positive effects for at least one outcome, AND
• Fewer RCT/QED studies of similar size and quality show no observed effects than show statistically significant positive effects, AND
• No RCT/QED studies show statistically significant adverse effects

How is it implemented?

SafeCare involves an 18 to 24-week program comprised of three modules: health training, safety training, and parenting skills. Although each module is typically offered in parents’ homes over six sessions, this can vary to reflect a parent’s preferred location and their progress.

In Safe Care Dad2K, interactive technology is used to deliver multimodal learning and modeling of SafeCare target skills through dynamic software-based activities, and there is an additional co-parenting component guided by the “Talking with Mom” workbook created by the National Fatherhood Initiative. A parent’s progress is assessed via direct observation in role-play situations.

How much does it cost?

Information not available

What else should I consider?

The standard SafeCare program has been tailored to different target groups, for example fathers and rural families. These modifications introduce considerable variation to the program and limit comparability.

Where does the evidence come from?

One study conducted in the USA:

• A randomised experimental design with a pre-test and post-test, with a sample of 99 fathers (Self-Brown et al. 2017)

Further resources

• https://safecare.publichealth.gsu.edu
• Self-Brown, S, Osborne, MC, Lai, BS, De Veauuse Brown, N, Glasheen, TL and Adams, MC 2017, ‘Initial findings from a feasibility trial examining the SafeCare Dad to Kids Program with marginalized fathers’, Journal of Family Violence, vol. 32, no. 8, pp. 751-766.