Table Of Content

DOCUMENT RESUME PS 024 328 ED 397 958 Goetz, Kathy, Ed. AUTHOR Fatherhood and Family Support. TITLE Family Resource Coalition, Chicago, IL. INSTITUTION ISSN-1041-8660 REPORT NO PUB DATE 96 NOTE 29p. Family Resource Coalition, 200 South Michigan Avenue, AVAILABLE FROM 16th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 (Item No. RPT 151; members, $4; non-members, $5). Reports Serials (022) Collected Works PUB TYPE Descriptive (141) Family Resource Coalition Report; v15 nl Spr 1996 JOURNAL CIT MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. EDRS PRICE Child Development; *Children; Community Programs; DESCRIPTORS Family (Sociological Unit); Family Life; Family Needs; *Family Programs; *Fathers; Parent Participation; Parents Family Advocacy; *Family Resource and Support IDENTIFIERS Programs; Family Resource Coalition IL ABSTRACT On the assumption that fathers have been relatively absent from family support programs, this publication of the Family Resource Coalition addresses the role of fathers ;n family support programs, examines the impact of fathers on their children, and describes programs involving fathers successfully. Articles include: (1) "What's Behind the Fatherhood Debate? A Guide for Family Support (2) "Collaborating Practitioners," (James A. Levine, Edward W. Pitt); (3) "How for Fathers: A County-Wide Coalition Addresses Fatherhood"; Programs are Advocating for Father-Friendly Systems," (Dwaine Simms, (4) "Child Development: The Difference a Dad Elizabeth Sandell); (5) "Parents' Group is a Resource for Makes," (Kyle D. Pruett); (6) "Father to Fathers, and Mothers): Mar Vista Family Center"; (7) "Public Policy and Poor, Unwed Fathers: Case Father," (Al Gore); (8) "Bringing Studies Show Dads Aren't 'Deadbeats'" (Daniel Ash); Home Better Communication: Fathers' and Mothers' Groups Work Together (9) "Fathers and Families: Building a Framework for in Baltimore"; Research, Practice, and Policy," (Vivian Gadsden); and (10) "Con Los Padres: How One Program En,:ourages Father Involvement." A list of resources concludes the publication. (KDFB) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** I u.s. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (c* 01 Ectocattonat alrcn and improvmnt EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER IERICt boon toptoeucee as clOCurrient NIS from the person Or organizat.on XerCenreel ontrnatmg .1 MIN C Minor changes nave boon macro to .morove rPrOduCtron quahty Points ol ',new or opmons Stated rn tnrsdocu- went do not netessardy reprellent other& OEM positron or pohcY Suppo Fatherhood and a. Volume 15. Number 1 Spring 1996 About T-Is Issue 3 Judy Lungfc-2 Carter cl" 4 Whats Behind the Fathemood Debate:A GAe for Farn,ly Support Practitioners PI( Jurnes A. Le. ne ono EJ.1,.arc Collabc-ating for Fathers Profile 6 of a Counti-Wide Coalition 7 How Family Support Programs are Advocating for Father-Fnendly Systems Dwaine Sarms and Elizabeth Sandell Child Development:The Facts on 8 How Fathers Make a Difference Kyle D Pr1:ert Parents Group is a Resource for 11 Fathers ana Mothers Father to Father 13 A Special Message from Vice Presicent Al Gore Public Policy: Case Studies I 4 Show Daas Aren't "Deadbeats- Daniel Ash Fathers and Mothers Join Forces 17 in One Community-Based Program The Research on Fathers and I 8 Kilding a Family-Supportive Framework Vn, fon 6,.ics'en f't Con los Ridres: How One 21 Program Hcourages Father nvolvemer t }- '41 ;i17:0- ;AA Your F 'e of Resources on ,a1 22 e diAtIttfibA301/14C4.1., Fathers arc: Families: Organizations t; PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND and Publicat.ons DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY k:5 ..KCI,`IN ISSN I 04 I -8660 BEST COPY AVAILABLE TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) fib The Report wishes to thank Jim Levine and Ed Pitt Directors of the Fatherhood Proiect at the Families and Work Institute, for guest-editing this special-focus issue of the FRC Report God Daniel Ash, Kirk Hams, and David Pate of the Center on Fathers. Families. and Public Policy 'for their help in determining content, reviewing drafts of articles, and writing large portions of this issue. Thanks to the guidance of this group. this Report has the potential to be c watershed event in the family support movement. It. along with the many father- related events at the I 996 FRC national conference. help to call attention to the role and importance of fathers in families and the lives of children and therefore in attaining the goals of family support. Thani<s also to the staff of father- ono family-serving programs who agreed to be interviewed for this Report. It is these peopie ond others like them, who are working to strengthen families and to change the way America works for families, that make this publication possible and the family support movement effective. REPORT Editor KATHY GOETZ Assistant Editor: JACQUELINE LALLEY Reporter, DANIEL ASH Cover Photographs.MARILYN NOLT KEITH STRICKLAND Art Director LYNN PEARSON Editorial Assistant, SHAMARA RILEY Printer BOOKLET PUBLISHING . 1,40ft 1.11**: nz Mit Reamers Coon, a tax:exempt:nonprofit orpnizadreitlernbrrtdp ki the Coalidon, 11* FRC Report is publisheionirter* in the pubk intarest y includes a subscription to the MC Report Readers an encouraged tticoiri and share its =menu*s ask you to cradk the Family I teeouristiellitiode Ow original source of infomation. BM COPY AVAILABLE and About Fathers Family Support ....oport programs have pners -at netts :3 ftners .are 2a:ents. :CO. Tr f-o..vever. to gain the participa- famity memoers. many Drograr-: -a.e 'Curd :./vays heicc-ec " ..es.T-e unfortunate truth is that atthough fathers ..alners f-oles in treir ;on ot fathers -Ina to valiaate practice been relatively in tarn!. z..:cport programs. they ha%,e in -).1ye never Peen excluded fro- Pai-ticeatin2 often really meant -mother'. tne worc Parent has too :osent. Ana sc..n family suppo-: programs. !aril?". " reflectea the assumptions and attitudes of the One reason for this is that family support programs f-ave of cn.!dren as Nomen's domain and has seen society traditicna,.y nas viewea the '-±r- society. asAid to Families with proviaer Puic progi-.,1-es Ina pc oies. sJcn athers ate as :flat ot ecOnOr- ana often in effect discour- iaNs. have favorea t-e -others parenting role Dependent C.- dren :Ina di of fathers is 4 children's :4..,es Aeotner fazor in the lack of involvement aged the invo..ement of fatre-s n their nours of operation, and staff". Ihe chfolren are t-e usai oar: c oarar. -. b-c?'7.r-ns. -.at n-ctnei-s ;41,41 eeas. Defter suitea -otrers scneaules anc at many tarn!,.. support programs nave and policies regarding the s cr.y -c.cen-:, that afttudes. practices. 'n the corte-t o :Hs :tat of Pave Degun to change and the separation '.esponsiollitet al ....omen arc --en in their oarentin2 '-o'es caregivers of' - 1.e teen C:.Dec;e:: *..0 be full -time .e.iace..Aon.en cbmains ...omen s ;Irc: is that .4-A fO-ce...Vhen poth parents work, the expectation .f-Iiiciren are fu:i time Darticioa-:s in tne pato Aork taking paternity leave arec.There are more cay at -name clads and fathers .we also the soleor even the prp-... ionger assume tnat the mother will be -an eyer before. C...,szoay ar-a-aements no of unpaid (ea'i"- Meatcal Leave Act of 1992 guarantees three months inarycaregiver. The feaerai Family ana family member individuaisregardless of ceederto care for a icr has turned to.: and his Father to Father initiative, national attention Due in part to Vice Presicient Al Gore of fathers to country are recognizing the importance fatherhood 'ssues. Family support programs arounc :he their parenting concerted effort to reacn out to support men in children's development and are making a and affirm the fathers in their activities but to fully understand roles. Programs strive not only to include . children, and to their neighborhoods. tributions men make to their families. to their involve: for their children is to ensure the active The best way to help families achieve positive outcomes raisea in demonstrated that childmn children's lives. Researcn repeatedly has ment of both parents in those children.We vulnerable socially and economically than other single mother-headed housenolds are more guarantee positive well, and that having a father at home does not know that many of these children do available and emotionally con know that having a father wno is ooth pnysically comes. However we also cnild's heaithY development. Increases the likelihood of a M fathers to actively participate in family support programs. There are barriers and challenges to getting them for avoiding spoken and written dialogue blames fathers feel under attack: too much of the current lives. for not being involved in their children's household responsibilities, for not paying child support. mothers from family support programs. In some communities, men are uncomfortable seeking support resistant to increasing the nurp family support program as "their place- and are grown attached to having the the strengths of fathers;.f for the family support field is to build upon ber of men participants.The cnallenge support fathirs environments that include, affirm, and families, and of parent-child relationships and to create of the FRC Report demonstrates, are nsink And family support programs. as this issue as well as mothers. that challenge. drawing national "en- Amenca's most visible Dad, and is committed to Vice President Al Gore is pemaps commun' working on the national and the -oie of fathers.There are many others von to and reinvigorating of their work the latest i FRC Report introduces you to some levels joining this effort.This issue of the It describes the hard vrk the issue of fathers and family support. practice. policy and research related to in-between.:,, Maryland and places communities from California to that's taking place to support 'athers in involvement in their children's lives, how public policy affects fathers' presents the findings of researcn on of resources that we', fathers are Involved.We've included a list describes tre benefits for the.-- znildren when fathers a vital place in program development hope will be useful to you as .ou work toward assuring , comme.--s. weico^,e Judy Langford Carter Executive Director, Family Resource Coalition Rt SCA JRCE COALITION 3EST COPY AV,;;L'.'Ll. Debate? What's Behind the Fatherhood Practitioners A Guide for Family Support by James A. Levine and Edward W. Pitt families face as it is a way of blamin,- sin- poor and about 10 times more likely to be 1992. political strategist James In gle mothers for society's problems. Th'.. extremely poor than those whose fathers Carville focused Bill Clinton's most careful and comprehensive resporhe are present: they are more likely to be on Presidential campaign with the unforget- to this understandable :oncern is a recent welfare, become pregnant as teenagers. fail table phrase: "It's the economy, stupid!" review of existing research by Sarah school, commit crimes, and experience a For 1996. Carville has allegedly updated Growing McLanahan and Gary Sandefur. host of other problems that result in both the message. This year, "It's dad, stupid!"1 Up With a Single Parent: What Hurts. emotional and economic costs.3 Professionals in the family support field What He/ps. The authors conclude that There is a second reason that fatherhood can expect to hear more debate about -children who grow up in a household with is a high-profile issue, which is often over- fatherhood and fatherlessness this election only one biological parent are worse off. looked because it is more complex. Among year and in the years ahead. This article on average, than children who grow up in some populations, men have traditionally cuts through the rhetoric surrounding some a household with both biological parents. occupied a provider role that is now being of the most important, controversial, and regardles of the parents' race or educa- challenged by economic forces, such as emotion-laden questions on fathers' tional background. regardless of whether global competition, corporate downsizing, involvement in their children's lives. the parents are married when the child is and women's increasing competitiveness in Knowing where the land mines in the born, and regardless of whether the resi- the job market. Now, as in past times of fatherhood debate are makes those in the dent parent remarries."4 rapid economic and social transitionsuch family support field better prepared to The research does not say. however, that as the late 19th-century industrialization. sidestep them and get on with the work of absence of fathers from the home guaran- the Great Depression. and World War helping to strengthen fathers and families. tees negative outcomes or that it is the sin- Twomany Americans are proposing to Both Democrats and Republicans have gle cause of negative outcomes when they buoy up the (traditional) male role to made responsible fatherhood key elements do occur. "Growing up with a single parent restore a sense of order and control. of their agendas over the last few years. is just one among many factors that put The third explanation for the current While accepting his party's 1992 nomina- children at risk of failure, just as lack of widespread interest in fatherhood is a num- tion for President. Clinton sent a clear exercise is one among many factors that ber of growing spiritual movements that warning to fathers who renege on child put people at risk of heart disease." say call for men to change their ways of relat- support: "We will find you." While cam- McLanahan and Sandefur.5 Low income. ing to their families. The Christian funda- paigning for re-election in 1991. Vice including the sudden drop in income that mentalist Promise Keepers are rallying President Quayle castigated a culture that often accompanies divorce, is the most men around the country to take their "God- believes that fatherhood is "irrelevant" in important factor in children's lower given place" as leaders of their families. his controversial "Murphy Brown" speech. achievement in single-parent homes, they The Nation of Islam. which last year called Now governors and legislators from both of say. Low income accounts for about half for the Million Man March on Washington. parties are setting up task forces or com- the disadvantage experienced by children D.C.. is urging men to renew their commit- missions on responsible fatherhood in raised in single-parent homes: the rest is ment to their families. And a broad array of California. Colorado. Florida. Wisconsin. caused by inadequate parental guidance non-fundamentalist religious and spiritual Vermont. and other states. and attention and the lack of ties to com- groupsas well as civic and social organi- munity resources. zationsare operating programs at the Why Fatherhood? Why Now? The bottom line: While growing up with- community level that promote responsible Fatherhood is emerging as a major politi- out a father does not necessarily cause fatherhood. children to have social and emotional prob- cal and social issue for four major reasons. Fourth is a set of demographic trends that lems, it does increase their risk for experi- The first and most important is an unprece- is increasing the presence of fathers in the encing these problems. Conversely, while dented demographic trend: a large. increas- lives of some sthildren. As more and more growing up with a fatherparticularly a ing number of children are growing up in mothers become breadwinners outside of highly involved fatherdoes not guarantee families without the continued presence of the home, many fathers areboth willing- 1994, the per- positive outcomes, it does increase the a father. Between 1950 and ly and. in some cases, unwillinglytaking centage of American children living in likelihood of these outcomes. a more active role in caring for children Research should lead us not to blame sin- mother-only families quadrupled, leaping within the home. gle mothers, but to strengthen the connec- from six to 24 percent. In 1994, 19 million tion of men to their children and the avail- children were growing up in homes from Single Mothers:A Scapegoat? ability of community resources to all which fathers were absent.2 Many family support practitioners and family members. If we arc concerned For children, the absence of fathers is an others worry that thc widespread concern about optimizing children's health and issue not just of quantity of parents. but of over father absence is not so much an out- development, we should be promoting the quality of life. Children in father-absent cry over the problems that single-parent homes are tive times more likely to be .(1 11- Pil44 Ai i ,OE 4 R. Mo As political debate and rhetoric about dren and families; after all. what can we do involvement of both parents in their chil- fatherhood increase in this pre-election the eco- to influence the moral climate or of fami- dren's lives, and the involvement time, it is important to remember the nomic structure of our society and its limit- communi- lies and family members in their lessons provided by these examples. ed opportunities for minority men? ties. Family support professionals play a key To fully address the issue of responsible role in creating and implementing the fatherhoodof what will connect men to small changes that, bit-by-bit. will have a What's the Answer? their childrenwe must add a third dimen- fathers major impact on the ways in which Those in the field of family support sion: the community. The community cm- in the years are connected to their children in chil- know that fathers are important sists of the institutions in which family ahead. with how dren's lives, and are grappling support professionals work everyday, best to help men establish and maintain an which include, among others, health and James A. Levine. Ed. D., and Eward W Pitt. children. And ongoine connection to their social service agencies. courts, religious the M.S.W. direct the Fatherhood Project at "solutions" and while the two typically offered and spiritual centers. childcare centers, Families and Work Institute. 330 Seventh Ave.. absence, marriage schools. In ways that we are now discover- to the problem of father New York. NY. 212/465-2044 (phone). they are and employment, are important, ing, those who work with families can 212/465-8367 (fax). See the Resource File at ful- have a powerful influence on how men their incomplete. the end of this Report for information on Proponents of the marriage solution fill their responsibilities as fathers. hook, New Expectations: Community William Julius most notably sociologist Strategies for Responsible Fatherhood. Wilson and The Annie E. Casey What Can I Do? Foundationsay that unwed parenthood Notes In promoting the involvement of fathers have and divorce, and thus father absence, with their children, family support practi- increased because cultural and moral I CARV1LLE. J (1996) We're rt,tn r. they re mong (New tioners' most powerful tools are their rela- have been norms about matrimony Ranoom House) 91-96 YorK: tionships with and expectations of fathers. recently eroded!' This idea has been most Low expectations are self-fulfilling; they Blankenhorn, who -.THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION (19951 Kds put forth by David tend to preclude change. If practitioners fatherhood is the sin- count data book (Baltimore. Md.) 5. argues that "married communities are assume that men in their gle most reliable, and relied upon, pre- 3THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION (1995) Krds responsible. not available, interested, or by scription for socializing males." and .:ount data book (Bahtimore. Md.) 7 they are likely to have those expectations main David Popenoe who says that "the fulfilled. High expectations are not a guar- father absence is 4MCLANAHAN. S., and G. SANDEFUR (1994) reason for contemporary the antee of change, but at least they set Growing up with a single parent What hurts, what the decline of marriage."8 Press) Here are helps. (Carnbndge. Mass.: Harvard University stage for change to take place. solution Proponents of the employment I -3. just a few examples ot' change chat has of two-married-parent say that the number resulted when family support professionals employ- households has decreased because SIbid. expected fathers to act responsibly: decreased and par- ment opportunities have 6W1LSON. ). W. (1987) The tally disadvantaged. particularly in ents' income has dropped, (Chicago: Universrty of Chicago Press). West Virginia. the rate of paternity In Low the African American community. establishment for unwed fathers has likeli- male earnings not only reduce the 7BLANKENHORN. D. (1995) Fatherless Amenca_ increased from 15 percent to more than increase (New York Basic Books) 38. hood of marriage, but dramatically fac- 60 percent in just three years. A key data the likelihood of divorce. Census qPOPENOE. D. (1996) Life without father New York birthing tor has been training nurses in rises, so show clearly that as men's income The Free Press) 14 hospitalsmost of whom are women will marry. does the likelihood that they to both expect and encourage men to who are Given these facts, the pool of men 9THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION (1995) Kids 6-7 establish paternity. count data book (Baltimore. Md.) likely to marry has shrunk, especially populations. Since the among minority Preschools from inner-city Baltimore to 1960s, the percentage of young men ages suburban Marin County have involved lift a four- 25 to 34 who earned enough to children's lives who many fathers in their has dropped person family out of poverty Resource on Fathers had previously been totally absent. The In from about 83 percent to 67 percent. preschools have trained staff to assume Strategies for American 1993 nearly half of all African New Expectations: Community that fathersregardless of marital sta- 34 earned less Responsible Fatherhood and Latino males ages 25 to responsible for tusare interested in and lift a than S14.763. the income needed to James A. Levine and Edward W. Pitt their children. Now, many fathers are as by that year.9 family of four out of poverty involved as the mothers are. employ- Both marriage and increased Institute) 1995 (New York: Families and Work desirable as ways of ment opportunities are In Minneapolis, a partnership between Many connecting men to their children. Available from FRC: 3121341-0900 the Episcopal church and the family court rela- fathers are successfully establishing of Hennepin County has helped non-cus- Offers a new way of thinking and acting to pro- through tionships with their children not including a jargon- todial, unemployed fathers stay connect- mote responsible fatherhood, through a or the other. hut one approach the-art review free review of research. state-of- ed to their kidsinstead of becoming do combination of the two. But where from leading of community-based strategies, tips "deadbeat dads." The partnership is prov- who work with than 300 these solutions leave those practitioners. and a guide to more ing that men act responsibly if they are the 100 most use- programs nationwide and to fathers and families? Both approaches and are treated as helped to find jobs sphere of ful publicauons locate the problem outside the wallets. more than walking chil- responsibility of those who work with 5 6 VOL I WRING I 99/, I AMY P ;0( lfq ( (OA( I IION RI PCMT BEST COPY AVAILABLE Collaborating for Fathers: A County-wide Coalition Addresses Fatherhood the members of the Fatherhood Coalition to speak. They live in Santa Maria, a rural have taken the step that they say all com- farming community 70 miles north of munities and programs that seek to cre- Santa Barbara. One has established pater- atively promote paternal involvement nity and has physical custody of his child: the other is waiting to become a father should take: they collaborate and learn from each other. his girlfriend is still pregnant. They are, of 11. The Coalition holds monthly meetings at course, concerned about being fathers, but which Coalition members make group they are also concerned about being ado- decisions and share information, learn lescents and students, and gaining the skills about local resources, and listen to talks they need to become good fathers. related to fatherhood, family. men's issues, It': At.'" * and men's services. The location of the Seeking Solutions for Diverse meetings alternates between north and Families south Santa Barbara County. A steering ..:i t" S %,,tV . %* " The Fatherhood Coalition was created .g.....):".. committee made up of Coalition members for the same reasons many programs have also meets monthly to set agendas for the sprouted up around the country: high rates general meetings, plan the Coalition's i ,... -,..r.,. of father absence, out-of-wedlock births, activities, and make consensus decisions to and single motherhood, and their associat- provide guidance for the Coalition. The five fathers who are gathered ed risks for children. But the Fatherhood Coalition members are organized into around the table of the Fatherhood Coalition is not a programit is a coali- work groups that plan and implement pro- Coalition in Santa Barbara tion of program staff, program administra- jects on an as-needed basis. Current groups County. California. make a diverse group. tors, father and family advocates, and deal with teen issues and mentoring, com- Some are Chicano. some are white: some researchers, convened by the Santa munity education and policy issues, and are middle-aged. others are adolescents: Barbara Regional Health Authority, who technical resource sharing and data collec- their income levels vary. are examining the many facets of father- tion. These fathers participate in programs or hood to better serve families. The Fatherhood Coalition has grown receive services from members of the The Fatherhood Coalition's members are from 30 to more than 70 members. As their Fatherhood Coalition, a group of more working to achieve the following goals: collaborative effort has grown, so has their than 70 service providers, researchers, and ability to meet the needs of fathers and advocates for father and families whose To identify and minimize societal beliefs families. Members of the coalition say that outlooks on fathers' issues represent and behaviors that undermine the family any community that seeks to promote tremendous diversity. The Coalition's by undermining the positive involvement fathering must also set broad goals and be members work in health care: adolescents' of the father. inclusive to any ideas, as long as the objec- issues, including teenage pregnancy: gen- tive associated with those ideas is child- der relations: domestic violence: and sub- To support societal beliefs and behaviors centered. Failure to do so will do much stance abuse prevention and treatment. that reinforce fathering as essential to more than keep the five diverse fathers Together they are developing effective building strong families. from sitting at the same table: it will stifle ways to serve and support the diverse pop- individual program growth and fragment ulation of fathers and families in Santa To explore, understand, and educate the resources, allowing real change in pro- Barbara County. community about fatherhood issues. grams and policies to remain elusive. The five fathers represent this diversity well. All have been or are non-custodial To assist and encourage men in nurturing fathers, and none are married, but the simi- and supporting their children. The Fatherhood Coalition can he reached do larities end there. Their experiences with Santa Barbara Regional Health Authority, child support, for example, vary from one 720-B Santa Barbara St.. Santa Barbara. CA To foster male mentoring relationships. to the next. 93101. 805/963-9261. ext. 217 (phone). James refuses to have his child be "a 805/963-1672 (fax). To foster respectful and caring relation- hostage of child support.- Ralph has had ships between mothers and fathers. difficulties maintaining a relationship with To foster healing of those wounds which his adolescent daughter. Jim has used a interfere with the ability of men to father spreadsheet to document his income before in a loving, committed, and joyful man- the court, and shares it with the others. He ner. pulls out a copy of his petition to the Supreme Court regarding false accusations While they have not developed a public made of him in custody hearings. policy cure-all or a "bulletproof' service The two adolescent fathers. Marco and delivery system that includes all fathers, Stes e. say very little, until they are urged 7 t3EST COPY AVAILABLE 6 t R) ,-)AI 1110r! PIP( t Arm 'Pf I $ )1 ..c f . Advocating for How Programs Are Father-Friendly Systems by Dwaine Simms and Elizabeth Sandell What Fathers Need, And How Programs Can Help Them Get It Program evaluation data suggest that fathers want a place to explore their man- hood. rights of passage. and fatherhood. They want and need to hear that it is okay to choose to nurture a baby over running with friends. Programs across the country by build- are responding to fathers' needs ing their skills in problem solving, so that they feel comfortable talking with their - children, rather than fighting and using violence with their children. 4 4 5 Some of the most telling markers of fl progress among family support programs ak that serve fathers are the stories ot' the fathers who participate. In MELD's sup- employment. During and after the training you are to us is an speak port groups for young dads, the men period the dads also take part in a parent- open checkbook. Nothing What about their own fathers in ways that are ing support group. else!" This statement entirely new to them. Like other fathers A Minnesota county is offering training addressed to an unwed father was not throughout the country. they are recogniz- on how to include fathers in work with made by the child support-seeking mother ing that they can break the cycle of poor families: the training is provided to child of his child, but by a judge. The father had child-parent relationships despite the cur- support workers, social workers who pro- just spent his most recent paycheck on til- rent unfairness of systems that are meant to vide home-based services, probation offi- ing a motion against the mother of his serve children and families. cers, and school officials. Another county child for preventing him from seeing the Fathers are unsure of the difference that in that state is making it mandatory that child despite the court's visitation order. programs can make. Many have come to those who work with adolescent mothers This comment captures the American view the systems in which they are also notify the county's department of legal system's apparent belief that men do involved and. by association. related pro- social services to open files for the fathers. children. not want to be involved with their of help. grams as the enemy. not as sources West Virginia has increased its rate of It is this attitude that is leading family sup- It will take time and additional resources to paternity establishment by 45 percent by work port programs across the country to draw fathers into programs and then assist training maternity nurses who work in with even harder to bring fathers together them in managing their lives and being birthing hospitals to expect unwed fathers their children. One program targets specific involved in their families. It is important to establish paternity. communities and sends married couples that family support programs communicate None of these efforts to encourage father door-to-door to identify and establish a with fathers by lauding responsible fathers involvement have become implemented relationship with every young father they and visibly challenging systems that pur- without facing numerous systemic barriers. encounter. The couples model relationship port to be family-focused, but are not. such as the attitude so clearly articulated building and parenting skills for these Fathers themselves are taking positions by the South Carolina judge. It has been fathers, who practice the skills while being in the family support field and showing by known for years that child support is more involved in their own children's upbring- their example that systems can change. The likely to he paid when the father has pro- ing. father addressed by the judge at the begin- tected access to his child. Yet the process Another program buys out "sleaze ser- ning of this article began organizing other of involving unwed fathers in their chil- vices" and adult bookstores. converts them fathers in his community to change courts' dren's lives in many counties, such as jobs for to light industry sites, and provides of treatment of fathers as solely sources Ramsey County. Minnesota. begins with previously unemployed fathers who are income, not as nurturers. for their children. paternity establishment and ends with child from the neighborhood. In addition to support. Reasonable visitation isn't "visit- gaining self-esteem from working. the Daine Sinanv i.s Prokram Replication ed" at all. Courts have even put children fathers are given time during the working Manakin- and Elkabeth Sandell A Ewratity, into the custody of abusive mothers rather day to take parenting classes and join sup- Director of MELD. 123 N. Third St.. Suite 507. than involving fathers in the children's port groups. Minneapolis. MN, 55401. 612/332- 7563 care. tvoice/ITYI. or 612/344.1959 (fiat. A comprehensive employment service provides a nominal sfipend to young fathers w hile they receive training prior to 7 - h"I'l C .4. BEST COPY AVAIL ARI F Child [Development: The !Difference a Dad Makes by Kyle D. Pruett alma =MI MIN NMI MIR MINI NMI been so involx ed. Babies also haxe been NOM Eno au IMMO WIN INNIN 4-1rf::-:'= found to he more socially responsise if - "14.1411"fewiE_"1111. 1.-41111%;:f their fathers hme been in\ olved in their everyday physical care during the first two months of life. These babies also seem to disintegrate less in the face of distressing situations. From the lather, the infant learns that a person can care for him or her and yet dif- fer from the mother in smell. size, strength. sound. appearance. and handling style. It is also thhiugh the lather that the infant 4; learns that comities and goings. separations and reunions are part not only of maternal nurturing hut of non-maternal nurturing. This can he an important factor in helping children resolx e the sleep disturbances in the second year of life, because the father's comforting the upset child in the middle of the night does not require working through V. L.difas yet another separation from the mother. Both of these effects are mediated not so much by the amount of time fathers spend with children hut, rather, what they do with the time they spend with their children. A number of researchers in the 1980s found that the number of hours fathers spent with their children was not always Ask. directlx related to the qualify of fathering measured through warmth. re: ponsiveness to the child. support for the cl-.1d's affilia- tion and autonoiny or attentiveness. The child's psychological well-being is more directly associated with the quality of fathering than the quantity. Much child development research confirms that the total hours of paternal involvement are less t 7;7:11-111 important than how those hours are spent and. ultimatels. how the time is evaluated by the child. the father, andnot surpris- its mother. Fathers have a direct. significant ingly--the mother. zithers and babies have more to do influence on the development of the infant. Father involvement may also have a with each other in the 1990s than direct effect on the medical integrity of the in many previous decades. The child from very early in the child's life. dramatic movement into the work force by How Children Benefit When The 1973 British hospital labor dispute V.omen of childbearing years. the sofrening Fathers are involved which led to so many physicians being on of sexual stereotypes subsequent to the Research shows that children's social. strike offered a rare opportunity to obserse women's movement, and the expressed physical, and intellectual dexeltipment hen- fathers' presence during home deliveries. longing amone men for deeper relation- efit greatly fnim the inx olx emem of In this rather unusual (at least for the late ships in their lix es than those prox ided by fathers. in addition to onithers. in their 20th centur i circumstance. many mothers the workplace lime all conspired to bring upbringing. bilants' scores on certain and fathers xx ho were not ideologicall or men into closer contact with their habies. assessments of intellectual and motor mentall prepared for home birth w ere ss holier the v,ant it or not. Research on development are higher if a father has heen faced with no alternative. When all of the father-infam transactions has challenged acthelx ins olx ed during the first six factors that complicate normal birth. such the lone-held belief that the most important months of the child's life than if he has not as the mother being over the age of 30. thing a father can do for his child Is to love 9 8 BEST COPY AVAILABLE lence by eliminating the rage that many male children (and later male adults) feel for and express toward women. Concern has laced men as perpetrators of violence American society for hundreds of years. Certainly, men kill each other in staggering numbers in wars, gang violence, and increasingly common but still random of criminal acts. Many of these men are, their violence course. fathers, and much of is directed at women, often in crimes of passion. Traditional adherence to stereo- typical views of male and female sex roles they need encourages men to believe that to be naturally dominant. Many families rely on exclusively mater- nal care. In these families, infants experi- omnipotent, ence the mother as the sole, life-giving figure of their infancy. A child whose mother is set up in such a way and is at some point unable to meet the child's needs is likely to develop strong feelings in of rage against her. Male participation child rearing and nurturing tends to decrease unconscious rage against women satisfy by making it easier for women to who is their children's needs. "The woman completely without emotional or financial the support from her child's father has hardest task and runs the greatest risk of father-infant care and subsequent sexual diabetic risk, and primipara status were incurring her son's rage," writes Miedzian. abuse of children. Hilda and Seymour analyzed. the factor that most mitigated Also, a mother who receives no support. Parker of the University of Utah did a in the birth complication and further illness such as many teen mothers, is likely to comparative study of 56 men who were child and mother was the father's presence project onto the son the rage she feels known to have sexually abuse their daugh- and aid at the birth.2 A 1982 study con- toward the father (and often toward her known child ters and 54 men who had no the cludes that father presence "reduces own abusive, neglectful, non-present, sexual abuse in their backgrounds. There deprivation, and terror. loneliness, sensory and/or non-nurturing father). Miedzian between the was a significant correlation confusion of labor, especially protracted reduce suggests that the most useful way to lack of involvement in child care and nur- compli- labor. resulting in decreased birth male violence is to normalize male-child stepfa- turance and child abuse. Overall. cations."3 childrea- contact through: (1) teaching men thers abuse children at a considerably high- A variety of studies have articulated a in ring; (2) teaching conflict resolution However, when er rate than natural fathers. relationship between the father's interac- role schools, and (3) presenting boys with comparing stepfathers who have been of tional style and cognitive development A models of pro-social. nurturing males. involved in nurturing their stepdaughters preschool children. Radin and Russell best such present. involved father is the during the first three years of life with nat- with their fathers report that boys' contact role model. ural fathers who were similarly involved. these promotes intellectual development: in sexual we find no significant difference and prob- fathers model modes of thinking abuse rates. The higher rate of stepfathers' An In-Depth Study lem-solving, which their sons internalize. sexual abuse of daughters appeared related of in boys In an effort to understand the depih In addition. cognitive development and lack of to their higher rate of absence and restric- is negatively affected by paternal the impact of the nurturing capacities opportunity to nurture during the critical disci- I instincts on the development of children. tiveness. hostility, and authoritarian reciprocity of the early years. It is safe to study of relationship began a longitudinal prospective pline and control. The positive conclude that a man's involvement in the fami- cognitive the development of children in intact between paternal contact and of physical care of a child prior to the age development is less strong for girls. lies who were raised primarily by fathers. three, whether the child is his own or studies.40ne The study began with the developmental although it is present in some reduces the someone else's, significantly between infants. assessment of a group of these study shows a positive association probability that that mvn will be involved Seventeen preschool- who were two to 24 months old. fathers' involvement and their later in the sexual abuse of any child. It is in families were r,:cruited from the area age daughters' competence clear that humanization of both fathering and around a large New England industrial mathematics. daily and of the child, which is inherent in academic community near the Yale Child physical care of the child, erects a strong Study Center. and represented the entire Decreases Father Involvement barrier against later exploitation of parent- socioeconomic spectrum, including those Violence and Abuse child intimacy. receiving, federal assistance. blue-collar Fathers involvement also helps curb %10- find- Current research rineals a dramatic between ing regarding the relationship )o.t 9 i3EST COPY PAILABLE P' ,1 0

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DOCUMENT RESUME PS 024 328 ED 397 958 Goetz, Kathy, Ed. AUTHOR Fatherhood and Family Support. TITLE Family Resource Coalition, Chicago, IL. INSTITUTION ISSN-1041-8660 REPORT NO PUB DATE 96 NOTE 29p. Family Resource Coalition, 200 South Michigan Avenue, AVAILABLE FROM 16th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 (Item No. RPT 151; members, $4; non-members, $5). Reports Serials (022) Collected Works PUB TYPE Descriptive (141) Family Resource Coalition Report; v15 nl Spr 1996 JOURNAL CIT MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. EDRS PRICE Child Development; *Children; Community Programs; DESCRIPTORS Family (Sociological Unit); Family Life; Family Needs; *Family Programs; *Fathers; Parent Participation; Parents Family Advocacy; *Family Resource and Support IDENTIFIERS Programs; Family Resource Coalition IL ABSTRACT On the assumption that fathers have been relatively absent from family support programs, this publication of the Family Resource Coalition addresses the role of fathers ;n family support programs, examines the impact of fathers on their children, and describes programs involving fathers successfully. Articles include: (1) "What's Behind the Fatherhood Debate? A Guide for Family Support (2) "Collaborating Practitioners," (James A. Levine, Edward W. Pitt); (3) "How for Fathers: A County-Wide Coalition Addresses Fatherhood"; Programs are Advocating for Father-Friendly Systems," (Dwaine Simms, (4) "Child Development: The Difference a Dad Elizabeth Sandell); (5) "Parents' Group is a Resource for Makes," (Kyle D. Pruett); (6) "Father to Fathers, and Mothers): Mar Vista Family Center"; (7) "Public Policy and Poor, Unwed Fathers: Case Father," (Al Gore); (8) "Bringing Studies Show Dads Aren't 'Deadbeats'" (Daniel Ash); Home Better Communication: Fathers' and Mothers' Groups Work Together (9) "Fathers and Families: Building a Framework for in Baltimore"; Research, Practice, and Policy," (Vivian Gadsden); and (10) "Con Los Padres: How One Program En,:ourages Father Involvement." A list of resources concludes the publication. (KDFB) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** I u.s. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (c* 01 Ectocattonat alrcn and improvmnt EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER IERICt boon toptoeucee as clOCurrient NIS from the person Or organizat.on XerCenreel ontrnatmg .1 MIN C Minor changes nave boon macro to .morove rPrOduCtron quahty Points ol ',new or opmons Stated rn tnrsdocu- went do not netessardy reprellent other& OEM positron or pohcY Suppo Fatherhood and a. Volume 15. Number 1 Spring 1996 About T-Is Issue 3 Judy Lungfc-2 Carter cl" 4 Whats Behind the Fathemood Debate:A GAe for Farn,ly Support Practitioners PI( Jurnes A. Le. ne ono EJ.1,.arc Collabc-ating for Fathers Profile 6 of a Counti-Wide Coalition 7 How Family Support Programs are Advocating for Father-Fnendly Systems Dwaine Sarms and Elizabeth Sandell Child Development:The Facts on 8 How Fathers Make a Difference Kyle D Pr1:ert Parents Group is a Resource for 11 Fathers ana Mothers Father to Father 13 A Special Message from Vice Presicent Al Gore Public Policy: Case Studies I 4 Show Daas Aren't "Deadbeats- Daniel Ash Fathers and Mothers Join Forces 17 in One Community-Based Program The Research on Fathers and I 8 Kilding a Family-Supportive Framework Vn, fon 6,.ics'en f't Con los Ridres: How One 21 Program Hcourages Father nvolvemer t }- '41 ;i17:0- ;AA Your F 'e of Resources on ,a1 22 e diAtIttfibA301/14C4.1., Fathers arc: Families: Organizations t; PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND and Publicat.ons DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY k:5 ..KCI,`IN ISSN I 04 I -8660 BEST COPY AVAILABLE TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) fib The Report wishes to thank Jim Levine and Ed Pitt Directors of the Fatherhood Proiect at the Families and Work Institute, for guest-editing this special-focus issue of the FRC Report God Daniel Ash, Kirk Hams, and David Pate of the Center on Fathers. Families. and Public Policy 'for their help in determining content, reviewing drafts of articles, and writing large portions of this issue. Thanks to the guidance of this group. this Report has the potential to be c watershed event in the family support movement. It. along with the many father- related events at the I 996 FRC national conference. help to call attention to the role and importance of fathers in families and the lives of children and therefore in attaining the goals of family support. Thani<s also to the staff of father- ono family-serving programs who agreed to be interviewed for this Report. It is these peopie ond others like them, who are working to strengthen families and to change the way America works for families, that make this publication possible and the family support movement effective. REPORT Editor KATHY GOETZ Assistant Editor: JACQUELINE LALLEY Reporter, DANIEL ASH Cover Photographs.MARILYN NOLT KEITH STRICKLAND Art Director LYNN PEARSON Editorial Assistant, SHAMARA RILEY Printer BOOKLET PUBLISHING . 1,40ft 1.11**: nz Mit Reamers Coon, a tax:exempt:nonprofit orpnizadreitlernbrrtdp ki the Coalidon, 11* FRC Report is publisheionirter* in the pubk intarest y includes a subscription to the MC Report Readers an encouraged tticoiri and share its =menu*s ask you to cradk the Family I teeouristiellitiode Ow original source of infomation. BM COPY AVAILABLE and About Fathers Family Support ....oport programs have pners -at netts :3 ftners .are 2a:ents. :CO. Tr f-o..vever. to gain the participa- famity memoers. many Drograr-: -a.e 'Curd :./vays heicc-ec " ..es.T-e unfortunate truth is that atthough fathers ..alners f-oles in treir ;on ot fathers -Ina to valiaate practice been relatively in tarn!. z..:cport programs. they ha%,e in -).1ye never Peen excluded fro- Pai-ticeatin2 often really meant -mother'. tne worc Parent has too :osent. Ana sc..n family suppo-: programs. !aril?". " reflectea the assumptions and attitudes of the One reason for this is that family support programs f-ave of cn.!dren as Nomen's domain and has seen society traditicna,.y nas viewea the '-±r- society. asAid to Families with proviaer Puic progi-.,1-es Ina pc oies. sJcn athers ate as :flat ot ecOnOr- ana often in effect discour- iaNs. have favorea t-e -others parenting role Dependent C.- dren :Ina di of fathers is 4 children's :4..,es Aeotner fazor in the lack of involvement aged the invo..ement of fatre-s n their nours of operation, and staff". Ihe chfolren are t-e usai oar: c oarar. -. b-c?'7.r-ns. -.at n-ctnei-s ;41,41 eeas. Defter suitea -otrers scneaules anc at many tarn!,.. support programs nave and policies regarding the s cr.y -c.cen-:, that afttudes. practices. 'n the corte-t o :Hs :tat of Pave Degun to change and the separation '.esponsiollitet al ....omen arc --en in their oarentin2 '-o'es caregivers of' - 1.e teen C:.Dec;e:: *..0 be full -time .e.iace..Aon.en cbmains ...omen s ;Irc: is that .4-A fO-ce...Vhen poth parents work, the expectation .f-Iiiciren are fu:i time Darticioa-:s in tne pato Aork taking paternity leave arec.There are more cay at -name clads and fathers .we also the soleor even the prp-... ionger assume tnat the mother will be -an eyer before. C...,szoay ar-a-aements no of unpaid (ea'i"- Meatcal Leave Act of 1992 guarantees three months inarycaregiver. The feaerai Family ana family member individuaisregardless of ceederto care for a icr has turned to.: and his Father to Father initiative, national attention Due in part to Vice Presicient Al Gore of fathers to country are recognizing the importance fatherhood 'ssues. Family support programs arounc :he their parenting concerted effort to reacn out to support men in children's development and are making a and affirm the fathers in their activities but to fully understand roles. Programs strive not only to include . children, and to their neighborhoods. tributions men make to their families. to their involve: for their children is to ensure the active The best way to help families achieve positive outcomes raisea in demonstrated that childmn children's lives. Researcn repeatedly has ment of both parents in those children.We vulnerable socially and economically than other single mother-headed housenolds are more guarantee positive well, and that having a father at home does not know that many of these children do available and emotionally con know that having a father wno is ooth pnysically comes. However we also cnild's heaithY development. Increases the likelihood of a M fathers to actively participate in family support programs. There are barriers and challenges to getting them for avoiding spoken and written dialogue blames fathers feel under attack: too much of the current lives. for not being involved in their children's household responsibilities, for not paying child support. mothers from family support programs. In some communities, men are uncomfortable seeking support resistant to increasing the nurp family support program as "their place- and are grown attached to having the the strengths of fathers;.f for the family support field is to build upon ber of men participants.The cnallenge support fathirs environments that include, affirm, and families, and of parent-child relationships and to create of the FRC Report demonstrates, are nsink And family support programs. as this issue as well as mothers. that challenge. drawing national "en- Amenca's most visible Dad, and is committed to Vice President Al Gore is pemaps commun' working on the national and the -oie of fathers.There are many others von to and reinvigorating of their work the latest i FRC Report introduces you to some levels joining this effort.This issue of the It describes the hard vrk the issue of fathers and family support. practice. policy and research related to in-between.:,, Maryland and places communities from California to that's taking place to support 'athers in involvement in their children's lives, how public policy affects fathers' presents the findings of researcn on of resources that we', fathers are Involved.We've included a list describes tre benefits for the.-- znildren when fathers a vital place in program development hope will be useful to you as .ou work toward assuring , comme.--s. weico^,e Judy Langford Carter Executive Director, Family Resource Coalition Rt SCA JRCE COALITION 3EST COPY AV,;;L'.'Ll. Debate? What's Behind the Fatherhood Practitioners A Guide for Family Support by James A. Levine and Edward W. Pitt families face as it is a way of blamin,- sin- poor and about 10 times more likely to be 1992. political strategist James In gle mothers for society's problems. Th'.. extremely poor than those whose fathers Carville focused Bill Clinton's most careful and comprehensive resporhe are present: they are more likely to be on Presidential campaign with the unforget- to this understandable :oncern is a recent welfare, become pregnant as teenagers. fail table phrase: "It's the economy, stupid!" review of existing research by Sarah school, commit crimes, and experience a For 1996. Carville has allegedly updated Growing McLanahan and Gary Sandefur. host of other problems that result in both the message. This year, "It's dad, stupid!"1 Up With a Single Parent: What Hurts. emotional and economic costs.3 Professionals in the family support field What He/ps. The authors conclude that There is a second reason that fatherhood can expect to hear more debate about -children who grow up in a household with is a high-profile issue, which is often over- fatherhood and fatherlessness this election only one biological parent are worse off. looked because it is more complex. Among year and in the years ahead. This article on average, than children who grow up in some populations, men have traditionally cuts through the rhetoric surrounding some a household with both biological parents. occupied a provider role that is now being of the most important, controversial, and regardles of the parents' race or educa- challenged by economic forces, such as emotion-laden questions on fathers' tional background. regardless of whether global competition, corporate downsizing, involvement in their children's lives. the parents are married when the child is and women's increasing competitiveness in Knowing where the land mines in the born, and regardless of whether the resi- the job market. Now, as in past times of fatherhood debate are makes those in the dent parent remarries."4 rapid economic and social transitionsuch family support field better prepared to The research does not say. however, that as the late 19th-century industrialization. sidestep them and get on with the work of absence of fathers from the home guaran- the Great Depression. and World War helping to strengthen fathers and families. tees negative outcomes or that it is the sin- Twomany Americans are proposing to Both Democrats and Republicans have gle cause of negative outcomes when they buoy up the (traditional) male role to made responsible fatherhood key elements do occur. "Growing up with a single parent restore a sense of order and control. of their agendas over the last few years. is just one among many factors that put The third explanation for the current While accepting his party's 1992 nomina- children at risk of failure, just as lack of widespread interest in fatherhood is a num- tion for President. Clinton sent a clear exercise is one among many factors that ber of growing spiritual movements that warning to fathers who renege on child put people at risk of heart disease." say call for men to change their ways of relat- support: "We will find you." While cam- McLanahan and Sandefur.5 Low income. ing to their families. The Christian funda- paigning for re-election in 1991. Vice including the sudden drop in income that mentalist Promise Keepers are rallying President Quayle castigated a culture that often accompanies divorce, is the most men around the country to take their "God- believes that fatherhood is "irrelevant" in important factor in children's lower given place" as leaders of their families. his controversial "Murphy Brown" speech. achievement in single-parent homes, they The Nation of Islam. which last year called Now governors and legislators from both of say. Low income accounts for about half for the Million Man March on Washington. parties are setting up task forces or com- the disadvantage experienced by children D.C.. is urging men to renew their commit- missions on responsible fatherhood in raised in single-parent homes: the rest is ment to their families. And a broad array of California. Colorado. Florida. Wisconsin. caused by inadequate parental guidance non-fundamentalist religious and spiritual Vermont. and other states. and attention and the lack of ties to com- groupsas well as civic and social organi- munity resources. zationsare operating programs at the Why Fatherhood? Why Now? The bottom line: While growing up with- community level that promote responsible Fatherhood is emerging as a major politi- out a father does not necessarily cause fatherhood. children to have social and emotional prob- cal and social issue for four major reasons. Fourth is a set of demographic trends that lems, it does increase their risk for experi- The first and most important is an unprece- is increasing the presence of fathers in the encing these problems. Conversely, while dented demographic trend: a large. increas- lives of some sthildren. As more and more growing up with a fatherparticularly a ing number of children are growing up in mothers become breadwinners outside of highly involved fatherdoes not guarantee families without the continued presence of the home, many fathers areboth willing- 1994, the per- positive outcomes, it does increase the a father. Between 1950 and ly and. in some cases, unwillinglytaking centage of American children living in likelihood of these outcomes. a more active role in caring for children Research should lead us not to blame sin- mother-only families quadrupled, leaping within the home. gle mothers, but to strengthen the connec- from six to 24 percent. In 1994, 19 million tion of men to their children and the avail- children were growing up in homes from Single Mothers:A Scapegoat? ability of community resources to all which fathers were absent.2 Many family support practitioners and family members. If we arc concerned For children, the absence of fathers is an others worry that thc widespread concern about optimizing children's health and issue not just of quantity of parents. but of over father absence is not so much an out- development, we should be promoting the quality of life. Children in father-absent cry over the problems that single-parent homes are tive times more likely to be .(1 11- Pil44 Ai i ,OE 4 R. Mo As political debate and rhetoric about dren and families; after all. what can we do involvement of both parents in their chil- fatherhood increase in this pre-election the eco- to influence the moral climate or of fami- dren's lives, and the involvement time, it is important to remember the nomic structure of our society and its limit- communi- lies and family members in their lessons provided by these examples. ed opportunities for minority men? ties. Family support professionals play a key To fully address the issue of responsible role in creating and implementing the fatherhoodof what will connect men to small changes that, bit-by-bit. will have a What's the Answer? their childrenwe must add a third dimen- fathers major impact on the ways in which Those in the field of family support sion: the community. The community cm- in the years are connected to their children in chil- know that fathers are important sists of the institutions in which family ahead. with how dren's lives, and are grappling support professionals work everyday, best to help men establish and maintain an which include, among others, health and James A. Levine. Ed. D., and Eward W Pitt. children. And ongoine connection to their social service agencies. courts, religious the M.S.W. direct the Fatherhood Project at "solutions" and while the two typically offered and spiritual centers. childcare centers, Families and Work Institute. 330 Seventh Ave.. absence, marriage schools. In ways that we are now discover- to the problem of father New York. NY. 212/465-2044 (phone). they are and employment, are important, ing, those who work with families can 212/465-8367 (fax). See the Resource File at ful- have a powerful influence on how men their incomplete. the end of this Report for information on Proponents of the marriage solution fill their responsibilities as fathers. hook, New Expectations: Community William Julius most notably sociologist Strategies for Responsible Fatherhood. Wilson and The Annie E. Casey What Can I Do? Foundationsay that unwed parenthood Notes In promoting the involvement of fathers have and divorce, and thus father absence, with their children, family support practi- increased because cultural and moral I CARV1LLE. J (1996) We're rt,tn r. they re mong (New tioners' most powerful tools are their rela- have been norms about matrimony Ranoom House) 91-96 YorK: tionships with and expectations of fathers. recently eroded!' This idea has been most Low expectations are self-fulfilling; they Blankenhorn, who -.THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION (19951 Kds put forth by David tend to preclude change. If practitioners fatherhood is the sin- count data book (Baltimore. Md.) 5. argues that "married communities are assume that men in their gle most reliable, and relied upon, pre- 3THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION (1995) Krds responsible. not available, interested, or by scription for socializing males." and .:ount data book (Bahtimore. Md.) 7 they are likely to have those expectations main David Popenoe who says that "the fulfilled. High expectations are not a guar- father absence is 4MCLANAHAN. S., and G. SANDEFUR (1994) reason for contemporary the antee of change, but at least they set Growing up with a single parent What hurts, what the decline of marriage."8 Press) Here are helps. (Carnbndge. Mass.: Harvard University stage for change to take place. solution Proponents of the employment I -3. just a few examples ot' change chat has of two-married-parent say that the number resulted when family support professionals employ- households has decreased because SIbid. expected fathers to act responsibly: decreased and par- ment opportunities have 6W1LSON. ). W. (1987) The tally disadvantaged. particularly in ents' income has dropped, (Chicago: Universrty of Chicago Press). West Virginia. the rate of paternity In Low the African American community. establishment for unwed fathers has likeli- male earnings not only reduce the 7BLANKENHORN. D. (1995) Fatherless Amenca_ increased from 15 percent to more than increase (New York Basic Books) 38. hood of marriage, but dramatically fac- 60 percent in just three years. A key data the likelihood of divorce. Census qPOPENOE. D. (1996) Life without father New York birthing tor has been training nurses in rises, so show clearly that as men's income The Free Press) 14 hospitalsmost of whom are women will marry. does the likelihood that they to both expect and encourage men to who are Given these facts, the pool of men 9THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION (1995) Kids 6-7 establish paternity. count data book (Baltimore. Md.) likely to marry has shrunk, especially populations. Since the among minority Preschools from inner-city Baltimore to 1960s, the percentage of young men ages suburban Marin County have involved lift a four- 25 to 34 who earned enough to children's lives who many fathers in their has dropped person family out of poverty Resource on Fathers had previously been totally absent. The In from about 83 percent to 67 percent. preschools have trained staff to assume Strategies for American 1993 nearly half of all African New Expectations: Community that fathersregardless of marital sta- 34 earned less Responsible Fatherhood and Latino males ages 25 to responsible for tusare interested in and lift a than S14.763. the income needed to James A. Levine and Edward W. Pitt their children. Now, many fathers are as by that year.9 family of four out of poverty involved as the mothers are. employ- Both marriage and increased Institute) 1995 (New York: Families and Work desirable as ways of ment opportunities are In Minneapolis, a partnership between Many connecting men to their children. Available from FRC: 3121341-0900 the Episcopal church and the family court rela- fathers are successfully establishing of Hennepin County has helped non-cus- Offers a new way of thinking and acting to pro- through tionships with their children not including a jargon- todial, unemployed fathers stay connect- mote responsible fatherhood, through a or the other. hut one approach the-art review free review of research. state-of- ed to their kidsinstead of becoming do combination of the two. But where from leading of community-based strategies, tips "deadbeat dads." The partnership is prov- who work with than 300 these solutions leave those practitioners. and a guide to more ing that men act responsibly if they are the 100 most use- programs nationwide and to fathers and families? Both approaches and are treated as helped to find jobs sphere of ful publicauons locate the problem outside the wallets. more than walking chil- responsibility of those who work with 5 6 VOL I WRING I 99/, I AMY P ;0( lfq ( (OA( I IION RI PCMT BEST COPY AVAILABLE Collaborating for Fathers: A County-wide Coalition Addresses Fatherhood the members of the Fatherhood Coalition to speak. They live in Santa Maria, a rural have taken the step that they say all com- farming community 70 miles north of munities and programs that seek to cre- Santa Barbara. One has established pater- atively promote paternal involvement nity and has physical custody of his child: the other is waiting to become a father should take: they collaborate and learn from each other. his girlfriend is still pregnant. They are, of 11. The Coalition holds monthly meetings at course, concerned about being fathers, but which Coalition members make group they are also concerned about being ado- decisions and share information, learn lescents and students, and gaining the skills about local resources, and listen to talks they need to become good fathers. related to fatherhood, family. men's issues, It': At.'" * and men's services. The location of the Seeking Solutions for Diverse meetings alternates between north and Families south Santa Barbara County. A steering ..:i t" S %,,tV . %* " The Fatherhood Coalition was created .g.....):".. committee made up of Coalition members for the same reasons many programs have also meets monthly to set agendas for the sprouted up around the country: high rates general meetings, plan the Coalition's i ,... -,..r.,. of father absence, out-of-wedlock births, activities, and make consensus decisions to and single motherhood, and their associat- provide guidance for the Coalition. The five fathers who are gathered ed risks for children. But the Fatherhood Coalition members are organized into around the table of the Fatherhood Coalition is not a programit is a coali- work groups that plan and implement pro- Coalition in Santa Barbara tion of program staff, program administra- jects on an as-needed basis. Current groups County. California. make a diverse group. tors, father and family advocates, and deal with teen issues and mentoring, com- Some are Chicano. some are white: some researchers, convened by the Santa munity education and policy issues, and are middle-aged. others are adolescents: Barbara Regional Health Authority, who technical resource sharing and data collec- their income levels vary. are examining the many facets of father- tion. These fathers participate in programs or hood to better serve families. The Fatherhood Coalition has grown receive services from members of the The Fatherhood Coalition's members are from 30 to more than 70 members. As their Fatherhood Coalition, a group of more working to achieve the following goals: collaborative effort has grown, so has their than 70 service providers, researchers, and ability to meet the needs of fathers and advocates for father and families whose To identify and minimize societal beliefs families. Members of the coalition say that outlooks on fathers' issues represent and behaviors that undermine the family any community that seeks to promote tremendous diversity. The Coalition's by undermining the positive involvement fathering must also set broad goals and be members work in health care: adolescents' of the father. inclusive to any ideas, as long as the objec- issues, including teenage pregnancy: gen- tive associated with those ideas is child- der relations: domestic violence: and sub- To support societal beliefs and behaviors centered. Failure to do so will do much stance abuse prevention and treatment. that reinforce fathering as essential to more than keep the five diverse fathers Together they are developing effective building strong families. from sitting at the same table: it will stifle ways to serve and support the diverse pop- individual program growth and fragment ulation of fathers and families in Santa To explore, understand, and educate the resources, allowing real change in pro- Barbara County. community about fatherhood issues. grams and policies to remain elusive. The five fathers represent this diversity well. All have been or are non-custodial To assist and encourage men in nurturing fathers, and none are married, but the simi- and supporting their children. The Fatherhood Coalition can he reached do larities end there. Their experiences with Santa Barbara Regional Health Authority, child support, for example, vary from one 720-B Santa Barbara St.. Santa Barbara. CA To foster male mentoring relationships. to the next. 93101. 805/963-9261. ext. 217 (phone). James refuses to have his child be "a 805/963-1672 (fax). To foster respectful and caring relation- hostage of child support.- Ralph has had ships between mothers and fathers. difficulties maintaining a relationship with To foster healing of those wounds which his adolescent daughter. Jim has used a interfere with the ability of men to father spreadsheet to document his income before in a loving, committed, and joyful man- the court, and shares it with the others. He ner. pulls out a copy of his petition to the Supreme Court regarding false accusations While they have not developed a public made of him in custody hearings. policy cure-all or a "bulletproof' service The two adolescent fathers. Marco and delivery system that includes all fathers, Stes e. say very little, until they are urged 7 t3EST COPY AVAILABLE 6 t R) ,-)AI 1110r! PIP( t Arm 'Pf I $ )1 ..c f . Advocating for How Programs Are Father-Friendly Systems by Dwaine Simms and Elizabeth Sandell What Fathers Need, And How Programs Can Help Them Get It Program evaluation data suggest that fathers want a place to explore their man- hood. rights of passage. and fatherhood. They want and need to hear that it is okay to choose to nurture a baby over running with friends. Programs across the country by build- are responding to fathers' needs ing their skills in problem solving, so that they feel comfortable talking with their - children, rather than fighting and using violence with their children. 4 4 5 Some of the most telling markers of fl progress among family support programs ak that serve fathers are the stories ot' the fathers who participate. In MELD's sup- employment. During and after the training you are to us is an speak port groups for young dads, the men period the dads also take part in a parent- open checkbook. Nothing What about their own fathers in ways that are ing support group. else!" This statement entirely new to them. Like other fathers A Minnesota county is offering training addressed to an unwed father was not throughout the country. they are recogniz- on how to include fathers in work with made by the child support-seeking mother ing that they can break the cycle of poor families: the training is provided to child of his child, but by a judge. The father had child-parent relationships despite the cur- support workers, social workers who pro- just spent his most recent paycheck on til- rent unfairness of systems that are meant to vide home-based services, probation offi- ing a motion against the mother of his serve children and families. cers, and school officials. Another county child for preventing him from seeing the Fathers are unsure of the difference that in that state is making it mandatory that child despite the court's visitation order. programs can make. Many have come to those who work with adolescent mothers This comment captures the American view the systems in which they are also notify the county's department of legal system's apparent belief that men do involved and. by association. related pro- social services to open files for the fathers. children. not want to be involved with their of help. grams as the enemy. not as sources West Virginia has increased its rate of It is this attitude that is leading family sup- It will take time and additional resources to paternity establishment by 45 percent by work port programs across the country to draw fathers into programs and then assist training maternity nurses who work in with even harder to bring fathers together them in managing their lives and being birthing hospitals to expect unwed fathers their children. One program targets specific involved in their families. It is important to establish paternity. communities and sends married couples that family support programs communicate None of these efforts to encourage father door-to-door to identify and establish a with fathers by lauding responsible fathers involvement have become implemented relationship with every young father they and visibly challenging systems that pur- without facing numerous systemic barriers. encounter. The couples model relationship port to be family-focused, but are not. such as the attitude so clearly articulated building and parenting skills for these Fathers themselves are taking positions by the South Carolina judge. It has been fathers, who practice the skills while being in the family support field and showing by known for years that child support is more involved in their own children's upbring- their example that systems can change. The likely to he paid when the father has pro- ing. father addressed by the judge at the begin- tected access to his child. Yet the process Another program buys out "sleaze ser- ning of this article began organizing other of involving unwed fathers in their chil- vices" and adult bookstores. converts them fathers in his community to change courts' dren's lives in many counties, such as jobs for to light industry sites, and provides of treatment of fathers as solely sources Ramsey County. Minnesota. begins with previously unemployed fathers who are income, not as nurturers. for their children. paternity establishment and ends with child from the neighborhood. In addition to support. Reasonable visitation isn't "visit- gaining self-esteem from working. the Daine Sinanv i.s Prokram Replication ed" at all. Courts have even put children fathers are given time during the working Manakin- and Elkabeth Sandell A Ewratity, into the custody of abusive mothers rather day to take parenting classes and join sup- Director of MELD. 123 N. Third St.. Suite 507. than involving fathers in the children's port groups. Minneapolis. MN, 55401. 612/332- 7563 care. tvoice/ITYI. or 612/344.1959 (fiat. A comprehensive employment service provides a nominal sfipend to young fathers w hile they receive training prior to 7 - h"I'l C .4. BEST COPY AVAIL ARI F Child [Development: The !Difference a Dad Makes by Kyle D. Pruett alma =MI MIN NMI MIR MINI NMI been so involx ed. Babies also haxe been NOM Eno au IMMO WIN INNIN 4-1rf::-:'= found to he more socially responsise if - "14.1411"fewiE_"1111. 1.-41111%;:f their fathers hme been in\ olved in their everyday physical care during the first two months of life. These babies also seem to disintegrate less in the face of distressing situations. From the lather, the infant learns that a person can care for him or her and yet dif- fer from the mother in smell. size, strength. sound. appearance. and handling style. It is also thhiugh the lather that the infant 4; learns that comities and goings. separations and reunions are part not only of maternal nurturing hut of non-maternal nurturing. This can he an important factor in helping children resolx e the sleep disturbances in the second year of life, because the father's comforting the upset child in the middle of the night does not require working through V. L.difas yet another separation from the mother. Both of these effects are mediated not so much by the amount of time fathers spend with children hut, rather, what they do with the time they spend with their children. A number of researchers in the 1980s found that the number of hours fathers spent with their children was not always Ask. directlx related to the qualify of fathering measured through warmth. re: ponsiveness to the child. support for the cl-.1d's affilia- tion and autonoiny or attentiveness. The child's psychological well-being is more directly associated with the quality of fathering than the quantity. Much child development research confirms that the total hours of paternal involvement are less t 7;7:11-111 important than how those hours are spent and. ultimatels. how the time is evaluated by the child. the father, andnot surpris- its mother. Fathers have a direct. significant ingly--the mother. zithers and babies have more to do influence on the development of the infant. Father involvement may also have a with each other in the 1990s than direct effect on the medical integrity of the in many previous decades. The child from very early in the child's life. dramatic movement into the work force by How Children Benefit When The 1973 British hospital labor dispute V.omen of childbearing years. the sofrening Fathers are involved which led to so many physicians being on of sexual stereotypes subsequent to the Research shows that children's social. strike offered a rare opportunity to obserse women's movement, and the expressed physical, and intellectual dexeltipment hen- fathers' presence during home deliveries. longing amone men for deeper relation- efit greatly fnim the inx olx emem of In this rather unusual (at least for the late ships in their lix es than those prox ided by fathers. in addition to onithers. in their 20th centur i circumstance. many mothers the workplace lime all conspired to bring upbringing. bilants' scores on certain and fathers xx ho were not ideologicall or men into closer contact with their habies. assessments of intellectual and motor mentall prepared for home birth w ere ss holier the v,ant it or not. Research on development are higher if a father has heen faced with no alternative. When all of the father-infam transactions has challenged acthelx ins olx ed during the first six factors that complicate normal birth. such the lone-held belief that the most important months of the child's life than if he has not as the mother being over the age of 30. thing a father can do for his child Is to love 9 8 BEST COPY AVAILABLE lence by eliminating the rage that many male children (and later male adults) feel for and express toward women. Concern has laced men as perpetrators of violence American society for hundreds of years. Certainly, men kill each other in staggering numbers in wars, gang violence, and increasingly common but still random of criminal acts. Many of these men are, their violence course. fathers, and much of is directed at women, often in crimes of passion. Traditional adherence to stereo- typical views of male and female sex roles they need encourages men to believe that to be naturally dominant. Many families rely on exclusively mater- nal care. In these families, infants experi- omnipotent, ence the mother as the sole, life-giving figure of their infancy. A child whose mother is set up in such a way and is at some point unable to meet the child's needs is likely to develop strong feelings in of rage against her. Male participation child rearing and nurturing tends to decrease unconscious rage against women satisfy by making it easier for women to who is their children's needs. "The woman completely without emotional or financial the support from her child's father has hardest task and runs the greatest risk of father-infant care and subsequent sexual diabetic risk, and primipara status were incurring her son's rage," writes Miedzian. abuse of children. Hilda and Seymour analyzed. the factor that most mitigated Also, a mother who receives no support. Parker of the University of Utah did a in the birth complication and further illness such as many teen mothers, is likely to comparative study of 56 men who were child and mother was the father's presence project onto the son the rage she feels known to have sexually abuse their daugh- and aid at the birth.2 A 1982 study con- toward the father (and often toward her known child ters and 54 men who had no the cludes that father presence "reduces own abusive, neglectful, non-present, sexual abuse in their backgrounds. There deprivation, and terror. loneliness, sensory and/or non-nurturing father). Miedzian between the was a significant correlation confusion of labor, especially protracted reduce suggests that the most useful way to lack of involvement in child care and nur- compli- labor. resulting in decreased birth male violence is to normalize male-child stepfa- turance and child abuse. Overall. cations."3 childrea- contact through: (1) teaching men thers abuse children at a considerably high- A variety of studies have articulated a in ring; (2) teaching conflict resolution However, when er rate than natural fathers. relationship between the father's interac- role schools, and (3) presenting boys with comparing stepfathers who have been of tional style and cognitive development A models of pro-social. nurturing males. involved in nurturing their stepdaughters preschool children. Radin and Russell best such present. involved father is the during the first three years of life with nat- with their fathers report that boys' contact role model. ural fathers who were similarly involved. these promotes intellectual development: in sexual we find no significant difference and prob- fathers model modes of thinking abuse rates. The higher rate of stepfathers' An In-Depth Study lem-solving, which their sons internalize. sexual abuse of daughters appeared related of in boys In an effort to understand the depih In addition. cognitive development and lack of to their higher rate of absence and restric- is negatively affected by paternal the impact of the nurturing capacities opportunity to nurture during the critical disci- I instincts on the development of children. tiveness. hostility, and authoritarian reciprocity of the early years. It is safe to study of relationship began a longitudinal prospective pline and control. The positive conclude that a man's involvement in the fami- cognitive the development of children in intact between paternal contact and of physical care of a child prior to the age development is less strong for girls. lies who were raised primarily by fathers. three, whether the child is his own or studies.40ne The study began with the developmental although it is present in some reduces the someone else's, significantly between infants. assessment of a group of these study shows a positive association probability that that mvn will be involved Seventeen preschool- who were two to 24 months old. fathers' involvement and their later in the sexual abuse of any child. It is in families were r,:cruited from the area age daughters' competence clear that humanization of both fathering and around a large New England industrial mathematics. daily and of the child, which is inherent in academic community near the Yale Child physical care of the child, erects a strong Study Center. and represented the entire Decreases Father Involvement barrier against later exploitation of parent- socioeconomic spectrum, including those Violence and Abuse child intimacy. receiving, federal assistance. blue-collar Fathers involvement also helps curb %10- find- Current research rineals a dramatic between ing regarding the relationship )o.t 9 i3EST COPY PAILABLE P' ,1 0

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