Responsible Engaged and Loving (REAL) Fathers Intervention Evaluation

REAL Fathers is a multilevel norms-shifting intervention among: young fathers (ages 16-25 whose oldest child is under the age of 3); couple dyads (fathers and wives); mentoring dyads and groups; and communities. Respected men in the community are identified by participating young fathers, their partners and community members to become mentors. Mentors participate in a training and mentor young fathers through home and group sessions on conflict resolution, non-violent discipline, family planning, and couple communication. Mentoring is supplemented with a monthly poster campaign designed to reinforce messages from the home and group mentoring sessions and a community celebration. REAL Fathers aims to build positive partnerships and parenting practices among young fathers to: 1) reduce incidence of intimate partner violence; 2) reduce harsh physical punishment of children; 3) improve early childhood development; 4) decrease unmet need for family planning.