Search

Objectives: This paper investigates a community-based intervention for young fathers, FatherWorks, compared to care-as-usual, 24/7 Dads. We hypothesized that utilizing the FatherWorks intervention (a 15 session parenting intervention, 13 session employment class, paid internship, case management, and access to behavioral health services) will assist in readiness to use condoms and increase condom usage, which may differ by race/ethnicity. Methods: Eligible males (n = 328) were enrolled into a Randomized Control Trial. Participants were 15–24 years old and had fathered one or more children with a female under the age of 21. A survey was taken at baseline and at 15 weeks following the intervention. Results: Analyses of changes indicated that intervention participants improved from the pre-contemplation stage of condom usage towards contemplation, and from preparation to action. The pattern of improvement in the condom use stage of change was different in African-American versus Hispanic participants. Changes in condom use during last intercourse were not significant. Conclusions: Study findings indicate that FatherWorks is successful in increasing the intent to use condoms, with the effect manifesting differently in African-American and Hispanic young fathers. Future work with minority fathers indicates a need for cultural adaptation of the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined adolescent paternity through structured interviews with their social workers. It adds to the literature by exploring if there were young men involved with the child protection services (CPS) system who are fathers, identifying their unique needs, and beginning discussions on working with these young men. CPS social workers from six area offices and one juvenile detention facility completed surveys for each father on their caseload. A 3.5% rate of adolescent paternity was observed across these offices. Information about the nature of the young men's involvement with CPS, their involvement with their children, and their unique needs as fathers are provided. This paper also identifies some practice and policy implications for adolescent fathers and CPS charged with their care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study that determined factors associated with sexting in emerging adult minority men and how sexting is associated with sexual risk. Findings discussed include increased likelihood of participants to sext with casual partners than with steady partners, multiple regression analyses revealed significantly more unprotected vaginal intercourse and oral sex for those who sent sexts to steady partners, and more partners for those who sent sexts to casual partners.