A symposium has presentations and discussion by 3-4 experts on a particular topic. A discussant integrates and summarizes the papers, develops implications for policy and practice from the research, and facilitates audience discussion.

Papers listed below are included in this session.

Discussant: Jennifer Bellamy
Chair: Mark Trahan

Summary
Within the context of a global pandemic, social relationships have become increasingly reliant upon electronic communication. Within the field of parenting and health, technology-based interventions have demonstrated evidence of boosting child health outcomes. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness and implementation of technology-based interventions for low income, non-resident, and incarcerated fathers. The symposium includes a systematic review of mobile phone applications for low-income fathers, two effectiveness studies of text messaging interventions for fathers of color, and an implementation study of a video conferencing intervention for non-resident, jailed fathers. Collectively, these papers indicate that technology for intervening to increase confidence and engagement of fathers requires effective content applying research-based knowledge framed within the real-world interests of fathers to maximize engagement and use. Furthermore, technology has limitations due to accessibility and implementation challenges, but appear valuable to participants as an adjunctive service.

Objectives

• To evaluate the effectiveness, usability, and accessibility of technology-based interventions on fatherhood engagement in high risk, vulnerable parenting populations.
• To analyze risks and benefits of adopting technology into responsible fatherhood and parenting skills programs.
• To illuminate gaps in research related to technology necessary for further evaluation of effectiveness and usability.

Subject Codes: fatherhood, technology, parenting
Population Codes: low income, People of Color, someone who is incarcerated
Method and Approach Codes: content analysis, mixed-methodology, qualitative methodology