The Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF’s) Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) recently published the report Applying Insights From Human Connection and Co-Regulation: Supporting Fathers in Human Services Programs. This resource emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships and social connections across the lifespan, particularly for fathers who play a critical role in their families and communities. The report is based on a January 2021 meeting organized by OPRE, which brought together a multidisciplinary group of experts to explore supporting fathers through connection and co-regulation strategies.
The report highlights how social connection and co-regulation can be leveraged in human services programs to better support fathers. Co-regulation, an interactive process where caring adults provide warm relationships, promote self-regulation, and structure supportive environments, is essential in helping fathers navigate their roles. The meeting identified that focusing on connection and co-regulation can lead to improved outcomes not just for fathers but also for their families.