Caring Dads is an evidence-based group program designed for fathers who choose to use violence and are seeking to strengthen their parenting practices and develop safer, healthier relationships with their children. The program focuses on improving the safety and wellbeing of children by helping fathers recognise the impact of their behaviour, take responsibility for their actions and develop more child-centred approaches to fathering.

The group component of Caring Dads integrates elements of parenting, fathering, family violence intervention and child protection practice. It provides a structured environment where fathers are supported to reflect on their behaviour, challenge harmful attitudes and beliefs, and develop practical skills that promote positive parenting and the safety of their children.

The program is guided by several key principles, including enhancing men's motivation to change, promoting child-centred fathering and supporting fathers to understand the impact of family violence on children's development, emotional wellbeing and sense of safety. It also addresses men's capacity to engage in respectful, non-abusive co-parenting relationships with their children's mothers, recognising the importance of maintaining children's safety and wellbeing following family separation.

Caring Dads acknowledges that children's experiences of trauma and family violence can have lasting effects, and that each family's circumstances and needs are different. The program therefore emphasises the importance of accountability, recognising the harm caused by violence, and understanding that meaningful and sustainable change takes time. It also promotes collaboration between facilitators and other service providers to ensure that intervention is coordinated, children's needs remain central, and fathers' participation does not inadvertently create further risks for children or their mothers.

A typical Caring Dads group runs for 17 weeks, with weekly sessions of approximately two hours. Each group generally accommodates between 10 and 15 registered participants, allowing for structured learning, guided discussion and opportunities for reflection. The program is delivered by accredited Caring Dads facilitators who have completed the required training to implement the model in accordance with its principles and practice requirements.

Through its focus on accountability, child-centred parenting and respectful co-parenting, Caring Dads aims to support fathers to make meaningful changes in their behaviour and parenting practices, contributing to safer family relationships and improved outcomes for children.