Appendix H: Plain language statement
Plain language statement-verbal for project workers and father participants
Thank you for coming along today. My name is (name of researcher) and I am part of a team of researchers carrying out a study on fathers' participation and experiences with parenting, family and child wellbeing and development services and programs. These are my colleagues (name of co-facilitator and scribe).
The study is part of an evaluation of the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy. This strategy provides funding for (program/service). We would like to invite you to contribute to the evaluation by participating in a focus group/interview. We have already talked to the program manager about issues relating to father participation in this service and now we are interested to learn more about project workers' and fathers' experiences, views and attitudes.
Participation in the study is voluntary and you will not be named or identified in the final report. If you don't want to participate you don't have to (for fathers add: and it will in no way affect your ability to attend the (program/service)). If you decide to participate in the focus group or interview and then later decide that you do not want the information you provided to be included in the final report you can inform us of this at anytime up until the final report has been written.
For the project workers: We would like to interview you together, your project manager will not be present and the information you share with us will not be made available to your project manager.
For fathers: AIFS researchers will run the focus group. Think of it as an organised discussion, there are no right or wrong answers. We are just interested in hearing about what you think. Neither project workers nor the project manager will be present at the focus group, and information you share with us will not be made available to them.
Please just use first names during the interview/focus group. If you don't want to use your first name feel free to make up a name you feel comfortable with. Although we ask you to sign consent forms using your real and full name, your identity in the final report will remain anonymous. We will do our utmost to maintain your confidentiality but need to inform you that confidentiality may not be able to be maintained if you mention illegal activities or harm to yourself or others during the interview/focus group.
The information you give us will be recorded and analysed (in a non-identifying format), and used in a written report. The report will be given to the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, who may make this report publicly available.
As a participant you are welcome to ask for a brief summary of the project findings.
If you would like to participate in the evaluation we ask you to please complete a consent form.