Social Services Professionals' Views of Barriers to Supporting Homeless Noncustodial Fathers.

Abstract

To investigate barriers to service for homeless non-custodial fathers from the perspective of social service professionals who work directly to assist men with securing housing while meeting the demands of fatherhood. The population of homeless fathers in the United States is increasing. Longitudinal studies show that although homeless noncustodial fathers and mothers face similar risk factors and barriers to services, research on minimizing risk factors and barriers for noncustodial fathers is limited compared with that for noncustodial mothers. The sample included 7 administrators and 12 direct service professionals engaged with fathers transitioning from homelessness. Data were collected via face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach. Multiple cycle coding was employed to capture emerging themes. Three major themes, encompassing emotional, relational, and systemic factors, emerged regarding participants' experiences serving homeless noncustodial fathers. Effective approaches to supporting fathers require empathy, relationship building, and collaboration between service providers and policymakers. Future policies and interventions should be based on input from direct service professionals and homeless noncustodial fathers themselves, with the aim of best supporting their efforts toward securing housing while meeting the demands of fatherhood.