Our research journey
For more than a decade, The Fathering Project has built and contributed to a growing evidence base exploring fathers, father figures and the important role they play in children’s lives, families and communities.
From our latest research to where it began
Explore the studies, evaluations and collaborations that continue to shape our programs and strengthen the evidence behind better outcomes for children, families and communities. Open each project to learn more about the research, its contributors and the reports or findings available.
2026
5 projectsState of the World’s Fathers – Australia Understanding caregiving, work and family life for Australian parents.
Developed by Western Sydney University on behalf of The Fathering Project, this mixed-methods study combines a nationally distributed survey of 533 parents with in-depth photo-elicitation interviews involving 25 participants.
The research explores caregiving, work, family life and the conditions that help or hinder fathers’ involvement.
State of the World’s Fathers – Global Report An international study of parenting, caregiving and gender equality.
The Fathering Project was the Australian partner for the 2026 State of the World’s Fathers global study conducted by Equimundo.
Survey data were collected from approximately 8,000 parents across 16 countries, including fathers, mothers and non-binary or trans parents.
All Fathers Program Evaluation Understanding engagement, impact and outcomes across TFP programs.
This independent evaluation presents findings from a cross-sectional survey of fathers and father figures across Australian states and territories.
It documents who The Fathering Project reaches, how fathers engage with programs and resources, and the outcomes they report across parenting and community connection.
Schools Coordinator Program Process Study Evaluating the implementation of father-inclusive practices in schools.
This internal process study assesses the use and effectiveness of new implementation processes, strategies and resources designed to support School Coordinators.
The study considers how schools implement father-inclusive practices and engage fathers in activities with their children.
Community Fathers Hub Evaluation Measuring outcomes across wellbeing, safety and community connection.
This evaluation examines program outcomes collected between April 2024 and March 2026.
Outcome data cover mental health and wellbeing, personal and family safety, family functioning, community participation and social networks.
2025
1 projectExploring the Experiences of Australian Fathers Who Lead School Dads Groups Peer-reviewed research into the experiences of volunteer Dads Group leaders.
This published paper presents findings from interviews with Australian fathers who lead School Dads Groups.
It explores how leaders implement the peer-based model and how they perceive participation to influence fathers, families and school communities.
2024
1 projectDads Group Leader Interviews Investigating the experiences of volunteer Dads Group leaders.
This in-depth qualitative study investigated how Dads Groups are implemented and assessed the perceived effects of participation.
It provides insights into the experiences of fathers who volunteer to establish and lead groups.
2023
5 projectsState of the World’s Fathers – Australian Report Australian data contributing to a major global fatherhood study.
The Australian component contributed to the international State of the World’s Fathers initiative coordinated by Equimundo.
Seventeen organisations participated globally to monitor changes in parenting roles, caregiving and responsibilities.
The Fathering Project Fathers Evaluation Assessing fathers’ engagement with TFP programs and resources.
The 2023 annual evaluation examined fathers’ engagement with The Fathering Project and how participation in Dads Groups and the use of Fathering Project resources influenced parenting.
Connection, Community and Convenience A case study of a Facebook group for fathers navigating parenthood.
This paper examines the experiences of Australian fathers aged 23 to 72 who participated in the same online fathering community.
Participants described how the group provided connection, peer support, community and convenient access to information.
Maximising Fathers’ Roles in Preventing Adolescent Alcohol-Related Harm Exploring how fathers can help reduce and delay adolescent alcohol use.
This project explored fathers’ attitudes and behaviours relating to the alcohol-related parenting of children aged 10 to 17.
It also identified intervention messages and framing most likely to resonate with fathers.
The Role of Fathers in Supporting the Development of Their NICU Infant Understanding fathers’ direct and indirect roles in neonatal care.
This review highlights research describing the role fathers play in supporting the development of infants in neonatal intensive care.
It considers direct and indirect pathways of support, alongside common barriers to father involvement.
2021
1 projectNew and Long-Term Dads Group Members Survey Measuring experiences and outcomes at different stages of participation.
Online surveys collected feedback from newer Dads Group participants, long-term participants and their partners.
Measures included self-efficacy, positive engagement, daily care, communication, emotional engagement and connection with schools.
2019
3 projectsFathers’ Experiences in a School Dads Group Exploring father-child engagement and participation in Dads Groups.
One-on-one interviews were used to better understand fathers’ experiences of engaging with their children and participating in a school-based Dads Group.
Dads Group Fathers and Partners Survey Examining participation and its influence on families and communities.
Separate surveys of fathers and their partners measured participation in School Dads Groups and the perceived influence on fathers’ engagement with their children, partners, schools and communities.
Interventions for Fathers Before and After Birth Reviewing interventions from pregnancy through primary school.
This systematic literature review evaluated randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies implemented with fathers and father figures before and after birth.
It also examined interventions involving fathers of preschool and primary school-aged children.
2018
3 projectsSchool Principals Survey School leaders’ experiences of Champion Dads Groups.
This report collected feedback from principals representing 18 Champion Dads Groups and examined how the groups operated within participating primary schools.
Dads Group Leader Survey Assessing group activity, engagement and future needs.
The survey collected feedback from Champion Dads Group leaders about activities, attendance, member engagement, priorities, future plans and how well groups were meeting their objectives.
At-Risk Dads Armadale Leaders Study Evaluating the Champion Dads Group network in Armadale.
This report presents feedback from leaders and representatives of 12 Champion Dads Groups in the Armadale area.
It examines engagement, activities, attendance, program purpose and progress against key objectives.
2017
1 projectChampion Dads Group Father Survey Assessing fathers’ participation, satisfaction and perceived impact.
The survey assessed the state of Champion Dads Groups in primary schools and gathered feedback about fathers’ participation, commitment, satisfaction, perceived impact and priority topic areas.
2016
3 projectsThe Quop Maaman Aboriginal Fathering Project Developing culturally grounded resources for Noongar maaman.
The project developed workshop resources to support Noongar fathers.
The report outlines the cultural framework, development process, engagement with Noongar men, workshop structure and evaluation findings.
Dads Group Leader Survey Understanding group leadership, activity and emerging needs.
This survey assessed the activity of Champion Dads Groups, engagement, attendance, planned activities, topics of interest and progress against objectives.
It also identified the support needs of volunteer group leaders.
Dads Group Activity Survey The first broad assessment of Champion Dads Groups.
The survey assessed the state of Champion Dads Groups in primary schools, including fathers’ length of involvement, commitment, satisfaction, self-reported impact and topics of importance.
2015
1 projectAustralian Evidence of the Impact of Fathering A review of Australian evidence about fathers and child development.
This report reviews Australian data describing fathers’ influence on children’s development.
It includes analysis of fathering variables from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and Australian evidence supporting international findings.
2013
2 projectsHow Fathers and Father Figures Shape Child Health and Wellbeing The foundational evidence behind The Fathering Project.
This early literature review examined evidence demonstrating how fathers and father figures can influence children’s health, development and wellbeing.
The Projected Social and Economic Benefits of The Fathering Project Examining the potential long-term value of father engagement.
This foundational review considered the projected social and economic benefits associated with The Fathering Project’s work and its focus on increasing positive father involvement.