What Works for Health Strategy

National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad

Evidence Rating  
Insufficient Evidence
Evidence rating: Insufficient Evidence

Strategies with this rating have limited research documenting effects. These strategies need further research, often with stronger designs, to confirm effects.

InsideOut Dad is a program designed to connect incarcerated fathers to their families and prepare them for release. Facilitators meet weekly with a small group of inmates and guide them through 12 core education and 4 optional reentry sessions that address fathering knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors (CEBC).

Expected Beneficial Outcomes (Rated)

  • Reduced recidivism

  • Improved family functioning

Other Potential Beneficial Outcomes

  • Improved parenting

  • Increased self-confidence

  • Improved parent-child interaction

Evidence of Effectiveness

There is insufficient evidence to determine whether InsideOut Dad decreases recidivism or strengthens families (CEBC). Available evidence suggests that program participants may improve knowledge of and attitudes toward parenting, self-confidence, and father/child contact (Block 2014*). Additional evidence is needed to confirm effects. 

Impact on Disparities

Likely to decrease disparities

Implementation Examples

InsideOut Dad is supported by the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI). As of 2013, more than 20 states have selected InsideOut Dad as the preferred parenting program for male correctional facilities (Block 2014*).

Citations - Evidence

* Journal subscription may be required for access.

CEBC - California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC). Information and resources for child welfare professionals: List of programs.

Block 2014* - Block S, Brown CA, Barretti LM. A mixed-method assessment of a parenting program for incarcerated fathers. Journal of Correctional Education. 2014; 65(1):50-68.

Citations - Implementation Examples

* Journal subscription may be required for access.

NFI - National Fatherhood Initiative.

Block 2014* - Block S, Brown CA, Barretti LM. A mixed-method assessment of a parenting program for incarcerated fathers. Journal of Correctional Education. 2014; 65(1):50-68.

Date Last Updated

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Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
Group-based parenting programs
Healthy Families America (HFA)
Father involvement programs
National Fatherhood Initiative's 24/7 Dad
Georgia Fatherhood Program
Early childhood home visiting programs
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