New Instrument #1b: Introductory Script - Program Applicants

PARENTS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER

INSTRUMENT #1

INTRODUCTORY SCRIPT

AND

STUDY FAQ’S

PACT Study Introductory Script

Now that we’ve talked about [PROGRAM NAME], I’d like to talk to you about a research study we are participating in. It is called the Parents and Children Together (PACT) study. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is sponsoring the study and a group of researchers from Mathematica Policy Research are assisting with it. Programs like ours and fathers around the country are participating in the study.

The purpose of the PACT study is to learn more about which services, like the ones we offer here, help dads like you build better relationships with their children and families and improve your economic stability. Your participation in the study along with the other fathers will help the researchers determine what services best serve dads like you and improve the services offered by programs like ours.

Since our program is part of the PACT study you have to agree to participate in the study if you want to participate in our program. If you do not want to participate in the study you will not be able to participate in our program. We will give you information about other services you can receive in the community.

Because space is limited and we cannot serve all of the fathers who are interested in our program, the research team from Mathematica created a computer program to randomly select which dads will be able to participate in our program. The computer will place you into one of two groups: one group will receive [PROGRAM NAME] program services at no cost to them and the other group will not. The computer works like a flip of a coin—assignment to a group is completely random. The chance of being selected to receive services is not influenced by what you say to me or the staff at Mathematica.

If you agree to participate, we can start the process by calling the interviewers at Mathematica. They will ask you some questions that will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Everything you tell the program staff or the researchers will be kept strictly private and will not be shared with anyone, except as required by law. Nothing will ever be said about you as an individual. Instead, information about you will be combined with information from other dads in the study so the researchers can say things like “30 percent of fathers in the program have two children.”

You will receive $10 in appreciation for your time for completing the survey. Once you complete the interview, I will let you know if you are assigned to the program group or not.

Do you agree to participate in the study? If yes, please initiate the call to Mathematica’s Survey Operations Center (SOC) at 800-XXX-XXXX.

If the father is not interested in participating in the study, ask if he has any questions about the study. You will find answers to frequently asked questions on the following pages. If he is still not interested in participating in the study after you have answered his questions please thank him for taking the time to come in today and provide him with a list of other services available in the community.

PACT: frequently asked questions

What Is This Study About?

The Parents and Children Together study is being done to learn more about which services help fathers build better relationships with their children and their families, as well as improve their economic stability.

Who Is Sponsoring This Study?

This study is being sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Who Is Conducting This Study?

The study is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research firm based in Princeton, New Jersey. Mathematica is known for its high-quality, fair, and objective research designed to support decision making on the nation’s most pressing issues. Many Mathematica studies have provided rigorous information to help in the development of national policies and planning programs like this one.

Who Is Included In This Study?

The PACT study includes fathers who have at least one living biological child under the age of 18.

What Will I Be Asked To Do As Part Of The Study?

You will be asked to complete a 30-minute survey over the telephone today. In about 12 months, you will be asked to take another survey over the telephone. You may also be asked to participate in in-person interviews and complete check lists about interactions with your child. Researchers may also ask to interview your child. You will receive money as a token of appreciation for the time you spend in these activities. Your participation in the survey, the in-person interviews, and the check lists in 12 months is voluntary and will have no effect on your participation in the program.

What Does Random Assignment Mean?

Random assignment is like picking numbers out of a hat or flipping a coin—so everyone is treated fairly. Everyone who is eligible and agrees to participate will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One of the groups will receive program services at no cost to them. The other group will not receive program services, but will not be prevented from applying for services in the community. Each person will have an equal chance of getting into the groups. A computer makes the decision about which group you are assigned to.

Does Everyone In The Study Receive Program Services?

No. Because the program can only serve a limited number of fathers, a computer will randomly select whether or not you can participate in the program and receive services.

Can My Answers Affect Which Group I Am Assigned To?

No. The chance of being able to receive services is not influenced by what you say to program staff or during the interview.

When Will I Be Notified About My Group Assignment?

I will let you know if you are assigned to the program group or not after you complete the interview.

What Happens If I Don’t Get Into The Program?

If you are not randomly assigned to participate in the program, I will provide you with information on other services available to you in the community.

Once I Am Randomly Assigned, Can I Switch Groups?

No, random assignment is final.

Will I Be Paid For Doing This Survey?

Yes, you will receive $10 as a token of our appreciation.

Do I Have To Pay For The Program?

No, if you are randomly selected to receive services, they will be provided at no cost to you.

How Will Participating in the Study Help Me And My Family?

The information you provide will be used to help the government provide the types of services that best serve families in your community. You have a chance to make a difference. Your answers could help in providing services in the future to other fathers like you.

Will This Affect The Benefits That I Now Receive From The Government?

No. Your participation in the study is voluntary and will not affect any benefits you receive now or apply for in the future. The information you provide is solely for research purposes and will be strictly private. Any published information will be on groups of people, not on individuals.

Will The Information I Provide Be Kept Private?

The information you provide to the researchers will be kept strictly private. Everything you tell the program staff or the researchers will not be shared with anyone, except as required by law. The information you provide will be used for research purposes only. Individual information gathered on you will not be shared with anyone. However, if a person on the study team observes child abuse, it must be reported as required by law.

What Kinds Of Questions Are They Going To Ask?

The researchers are interested in talking to you about your relationships and interactions with your child or children, your relationship with other family members, your employment and services you receive, your living arrangements, and how you are generally feeling about yourself.

Who Can I Contact With Further Questions?

If you have further questions about the study, you can contact the survey director, Shawn Marsh, at (609) 936-2781.