Appendix H Handout and Recruitment Flyer for Focus Group Participants

FAQ FOR CHaRMED FOCUS GROUPS

What is CHaRMED?

CHaRMED stands for Coparenting and Healthy Relationship and Marriage Education for Dads. It is a study funded by the Administration for Children and Families, which is a government agency that funds programs for fathers and their families. The study is being conducted by Child Trends, an independent research organization. We want to learn more about how fatherhood programs support fathers’ healthy relationships and what fatherhood programs could be doing better.

What is a focus group?

A focus group is a small group of similar individuals who discuss topics related to them. In this case, the topics are about parenting, coparenting, romantic relationships, and fatherhood program services. A study team member will ask the group questions and help guide the group discussion.

How will the information be used?

The study team will use the discussions to inform reports for the Administration for Children and Families and the broader fatherhood field. No individuals will be named in the reports. Every effort will be made to keep your participation and your information private.

[If known] When and where will the focus group be?

The focus group will be held [DATE, TIME] at [LOCATION].

How long will the focus groups last?

We expect the focus group will last about an hour and a half.

What other important things do I need to know?

• Participation is voluntary. You do not have to participate if you they do not want to. You can also participate but not answer any questions you don’t want to.

• Your decision to participate is not a program requirement. It does not affect the services you receive at [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM].

• If all participants agree, we will audio-record the focus groups to be sure we don’t miss any important information.

• To thank fathers[/coparents] for their participation, they will receive a $30 gift card.

A focus group for fathers like you to discuss your experiences with coparenting, relationships, and the services [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM] provides

RSVP:

Receive a $30 gift card!

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON

FATHERHOOD

AND COPARENTING

{"A?":"B","a":5,"b":}

WHERE:

If you are interested in participating , or have any questions, please ask the staff at [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM]!

[TBD]

[TBD]

Fathers taking part in [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM] who have one or more children under the age of 18

WHEN:

WHAT:

WHO:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What will happen in the focus group?

A group of 6-8 dads will come together to talk about their experiences with parenting, coparenting, romantic relationships, and the services provided by [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM]. A study team member will ask the group questions and help guide the discussion. If all participants agree, we will audio-record the session.

How long will it last?

Groups will last about an hour and a half.

What is the focus group for?

The focus group is part of a study of fatherhood programs nationwide. The goal is to learn how programs can better support fathers in their romantic and coparenting relationships. 

Who is conducting the study?

Child Trends, an independent research organization, has a contract from the federal government to conduct the study.

Will my answers be kept private?

Staff from [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM] will not be at the focus group, and we will not share with them anything you say. Other dads in the group will hear your comments, but we will ask everyone not to share what they hear outside the group. We will not use names in any reports we write.

Why should I participate?

Your experiences will be very helpful to help us improve programs for dads like you. Also, people in focus groups often enjoy the chance to share their thoughts and experiences and to hear from others.

Do I have to participate?

No. Participation is completely voluntary. Also, your decision to participate will not affect the services you receive at [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM].

WHERE:

If you are interested in participating , or have any questions, please ask the staff at [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM]!

[CONTACT INFORMATION TBD]

[TBD]

[TBD]

Coparents of fathers taking part in [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM]

A focus group for coparents like you to discuss your experiences as coparents and services that could support you

WHEN:

WHAT:

Receive a $30 gift card!

WHO:

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON COPARENTING

{"A?":"B","a":5,"b":}

RSVP:

What will happen in the focus group?

A group of 6-8 coparents will come together to talk about their experiences with coparenting, any services they may have received from [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM], and their thoughts about what programs could do to support coparenting relationships. A study team member will ask the group questions and help guide the discussion. If all participants agree, we will audio-record the session.

How long will it last?

Groups will last about an hour and a half.

Who counts as a coparent?

By “coparent,” we mean anyone who shares responsibility with a father in [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM] for raising one or more of his children. This could be the children’s mother or anyone else who helps to make decisions about the children.

What is the focus group for?

The goal is to learn how programs can better support fathers and coparents in their coparenting relationships.

Who is conducting the study?

Child Trends is an independent research organization. Child Trends has a contract from the federal government to conduct the study.

Will my answers be kept private?

Staff from [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM] will not be at the focus group, and we will not share with them anything you say. Other people in the group will hear your comments, but we will ask everyone not to share what they hear outside the group. We will not use names in any reports we write.

Why should I participate?

Your experiences will be very helpful to help us improve programs for coparents like you. Also, people in focus groups often enjoy the chance to share their thoughts and experiences and to hear from others.

Do I have to participate?

No. Participation is completely voluntary. Also, your decision to participate will not affect any services you may receive at [FATHERHOOD PROGRAM].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS