Implementing Creating Lasting Family Connections with reentry fathers: A partial replication during a period of policy change

ABSTRACT

The present study is a replication of the Creating Lasting Family Connections Fatherhood Program (CLFCFP) using a randomized controlled trial (RCT). CLFCFP has been shown in prior studies to have a positive impact on relationship skills and recidivism using weaker quasi-experimental designs (McKiernan et al., 2013). Survey data on relationship skills and recidivism data came from 280 men in prison reentry. Findings for relationship skills were replicated in this RCT, suggesting CLFCFP participants had larger sustained improvements in relationship skills. Policy changes occurring shortly before the study possibly serve as an explanation for our inability to replicate recidivism findings.

KEYWORDS:

• Drug-free outpatient treatment
• fatherhood
• program evaluation
• recidivism
• reentry