Objective: Work with non-custodial fathers to improve their health and social well being and increase involvement with their children.
Background: Children growing up without fathers are five times more likely to be poor. Girls raised in single parent families are three times likely to become unwed mothers while boys are more likely to be incarcerated. The Father Friendly Initiative (FFI) is a unique partnership between Boston Healthy Start Initiative and the Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement (DOR/CSE).
Methods: The FFI is designed to accommodate the psychosocial, physical and spiritual needs of low to no income men. Community based resources are used to assist and support fathers seeking to overcome barriers that prevent them from being emotionally and financially responsible for their children. The program assist fathers in developing a constructive and lasting co-parenting partnership.
Scope: Services offered encompass heath care, parent education, substance abuse services, literacy training, and job placement. The program provides assistance in establishing paternity and advocacy on visitation and child support issues. Fatherhood skills are strengthened through an intensive peer support group using a men of color Curriculum.
Results: The Program services approximately 150 fathers and offers six peer support groups. About 20% of unemployed fathers have been provided with job readiness training and placements, and 50% have completed physicals.
Conclusion: The success of the program lies in the effective collaboration between DOR/CSE and FFI which has made the program more approachable and sensitive to the needs of the low income fathers in the community.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, all participants would be able to do the following: 1. Through interaction with other members develop and analyze effective planning and execution methods that can be applied to improve services to parents and children in the project area of BHSI. 2. Understand the role of psychosocial and financial support in improving the health and well being among project participants
Keywords: Partner Involvement, Initiative
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boston Healthy Start Initiative
Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.