Date of Conferral

7-30-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Dorothy Scotten

Abstract

This study focused on fathers’ experiences with the Massachusetts child welfare system (MCWS) or the Department of Children and Families (DCF) during the reunification process with their children, particularly those fathers who received sole custody of their children during this process. Researchers have demonstrated that fathers are minimally engaged and mostly ignored in the child welfare system (CWS). A research gap was identified regarding the experiences of fathers who received sole custody of their children through the CWS. The purpose of this study was to explore these fathers’ experiences with the MCWS or the DCF during the reunification process with their children. Social exchange theory was used to support this study, explaining that these fathers were engaged with the MCWS or the DCF primarily to get their children back. A qualitative, generic design through a narrative lens was used to explore these fathers’ experiences. Data were collected from 11 fathers through semi-structured interviews and was analyzed via a thematic analysis process. The main results of this study were (1) fathers were reunified with their children primarily due to mothers’ unavailability, (2) many fathers’ experiences with the MCWS or the DCF were negative; however, some fathers had positive experiences, particularly with individual offices and social workers; and fathers shared that reunification with their children required determination, compliance with MCWS action plans, and reliance on their lawyers and the court system. Findings of this study highlight lessons to improve relationships and interactions between fathers and the MCWS or the DCF, thus promoting social change in state-run child welfare service environments.

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