According to a Fatherhood in Georgia Report released in June 1999, Bibb County (a metropolitan county in middle Georgia) has the third highest rate of female headed households, especially among African Americans, in the state. The absence of a father or an adult male role model showed higher rates of child abuse, juvenile arrests, teenage pregnancy, and poverty among children in these homes. African American males had higher rates of juvenile arrests, school drop out, sexually transmitted diseases and were more likely to become teenage fathers than any other racial or ethnic group. It became a high public health priority for the Macon-Bibb County Health Department to develop an initiative that would not only intervene, but prevent at risk behaviors among this select population.
The Resource Fathers Program (Friends and Fathers) is Macon-Bibb County Health Department's strategy to address the needs of African American adolescent males. The purpose of this project is to conduct an outreach program designed to improve family relationships, physical, mental, and educational outcomes for adolescent males. Since its inception in 1998, over 1,000 males have been served. This highly successful multi-component program has resulted in a decrease in teen pregnancy, increased educational attainment, employability and other positive life outcomes for adolescent males served by the integrated services of the program. An evaluation of the program identified certain key factors that contribute to the effectiveness of this non-traditional public health service model for adolescent males.
Learning Objectives: Increase knowledge of a public health intervention model for African American males;and stimulate future research for effective program development targeting this population.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Male Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Macon-Bibb County Health Department
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.