K3

DADS IN THE MIX: FEDERAL APPROACHES TO FACILITATING FATHERS' ENGAGEMENT WITH THEIR FAMILIES

Presenters: Matthew Stagner, Gardner Wiseheart

Abstract Category: Prevention  

Instruction Level: Beginner

Presentation: Click Here

Description:      

This workshop reviews efforts developed under the federal government's Healthy Marriages Initiative to strengthen a father's parenting skills.

Abstract:

Research consistently demonstrates the important role father can play in nurturing a child's healthy development.  For many children, however, their fathers are either physically or emotionally unavailable.  The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provides $150 million in annual funding for the promotion of healthy marriage and fatherhood through its Healthy Marriage Initiative.  Under this effort, demonstration sites have sought to develop and test the results of community-based strategies intended to encourage healthy relationships between parents, and between parents and their children. 

Specific strategies to expand fathers' parenting knowledge and skills include counseling, mentoring, marriage education, building relationship and parenting skills, and activities to foster economic stability.

The purpose of this presentation is to examine the receptivity of fathers to these various approaches and to discuss their potential in reducing rates of maltreatment and enhancing child development. Specific attention will be placed on understanding the role culture and local parenting norms can play in facilitating of hindering participant engagement and learning.