17 - Mother Focus Groups

OMB #: XXXX-XXXX

EXPIRATION: XX/XX/201X

^{17 - Mother Focus Groups}

building bridges and bonds (b3)

TOPIC GUIDE FOR USE WITH Focus GroupS

OF MOTHERS

This topic guide will be used for focus group discussions with mothers whose children are engaged in the parenting program with their father to explore their perspectives on the availability, quality, and value of program services as well as their relationship with their child’s father.

Introductory script:

Purpose and use of information: MDRC is conducting an evaluation of fatherhood programs. As part of that evaluation, we are seeking to learn more about your perspectives on the availability, quality, and value of the program’s services. The purpose of the study is to provide information to practitioners and policymakers within multiple levels of government as well as in other sectors.

Authority of collection: This evaluation is being conducted on behalf of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it has a current valid OMB control number. The number for this study is xxxx-xxxx. If you have any questions, please contact [CONTACT NAME], at xxx-xxx-xxxx, regarding OMB-PRA (xxxx-xxxx).

Privacy: The information you provide will be combined with information from other program participants and discussed among the evaluation team and federal staff at the Administration for Children and Families. Information regarding participants’ perspectives may be included in reports, but your identifying information will be kept private and not shared publicly to the extent permitted by law.

Voluntary Participation: Providing information for the purposes described is voluntary.

Estimated time: This discussion is expected to take about one hour.

THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT OF 1995

This collection of information is voluntary and will be used to learn about the effects of parenting and employment services for fathers. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 60 minutes per focus group, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number for this information collection is 0970-0XXX and the expiration date is XX/XX/XXXX. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Erika Lundquist; 16 E 34^th St, MDRC, 19^th Floor, New York, NY 10016; (212) 340-8605; Attn: OMB-PRA (xxxx-xxxx).

1. Introductions

2. Knowledge of the parenting program

• How the mom heard about the program

• Knowledge of program before the dad joined

• Initial reactions about the program

• Evolution of her reaction to the program

3. Communication with the dad

• Frequency of communication with the dad

• Barriers to coordinating with the dad

4. Program participation

• Interaction with program staff

• Barriers of having child participate in the program with the dad; barriers could include physical barriers (such as lacking transportation or supplies) or others

5. Program Satisfaction

• Impressions of the child’s participation in the program with the dad

• Usefulness of program/workshops

• Reactions to how the program involves moms; suggestions for improvements

6. Notable changes in the dad

• Her relationship with the dad

• The dad’s relationship with the child