Adapting and transporting evidence-based domestic abuse perpetrator programmes that have been developed and tested overseas represents a promising route to increasing the availability of effective, evidence-based provision in the UK. To do this successfully, adaptations need to be informed by an in-depth understanding of how programmes have been developed and delivered to date, alongside the characteristics of the new context and target population in which they will operate. This is essential to ensure programmes are safe, appropriate, and have the best chance of achieving positive outcomes in their new setting.
This report explores the adaptation work conducted on the Fathers for Change (F4C) programme, a therapeutic programme for fathers who have been violent towards their partner which aims to prevent future domestic abuse. This project was managed by UK delivery partner The Fatherhood Institute and executed by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) in collaboration with The Fatherhood Institute’s local implementation partner, St. Michael’s Fellowship.
The main aim of this adaptation work was to understand whether and how Fathers for Change, which has been developed and evidenced in the US, could be transported and adapted for delivery in the UK context.
An evidence-based approach was undertaken to describe the programme as delivered in the US, the differences identified between the US and the UK context, the adaptations made to the F4C programme to make it suitable for UK delivery, and the rationale and process behind making those adaptations.
This included:
The project team created a number of outputs including:
The group agreed on eight adaptations to the F4C programme and its implementation in the UK. Whilst overall there were no serious reservations about the suitability of the adapted programme in the UK, some of the most challenging issues we identified were around addressing the different workforces available to deliver F4C in the US versus the UK, addressing the different levels of wraparound support available to families eligible for F4C in the US versus the UK, and compliance with UK-based standards for perpetrator programmes (including the need for integrated support for victim-survivors).
The strengths of the work included the highly structured process and tools used to support the adaptation, the diversity of stakeholders we were able to draw on (including fathers representing those who would be eligible for F4C in the UK), and the expertise of the adaptation team. Limitations included limited involvement of victim-survivors.
Rated 1: Set up and delivery is low cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of less than £100.
Rated 2: Set up and delivery is medium-low cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £100–£499.
Rated 3: Set up and delivery is medium cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £500–£999.
Rated 4: Set up and delivery is medium-high cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £1,000–£2,000.
Rating 5: Set up and delivery is high cost. Equivalent to an estimated unit cost of more than £2,000.
Set up and delivery cost is not applicable, not available, or has not been calculated.
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Supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing child maltreatment: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Enhancing school achievement & employment: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing crime, violence and antisocial behaviour: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing substance abuse: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing risky sexual behaviour & teen pregnancy: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing obesity and promoting healthy physical development: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Rated 2: Has preliminary evidence of improving a child outcome from a quantitative impact study, but there is not yet evidence of causal impact.
Rated 2+: Meets the level 2 rating and the best available evidence is based on a study which is more rigorous than a level 2 standard but does not meet the level 3 standard.
Rated 3: Has evidence of a short-term positive impact from at least one rigorous study.
Rated 3+: Meets the level 3 rating and has evidence from other studies with a comparison group at level 2 or higher.
Rated 4: Has evidence of a long-term positive impact through at least two rigorous studies.
Rated 4+: Meets the level 4 rating and has at least a third study contributing to the Level 4 rating, with at least one of the studies conducted independently of the intervention provider.
Rating has a *: The evidence base includes mixed findings i.e., studies suggesting positive impact alongside studies, which on balance, indicate no effect or negative impact.
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