A FRESH LOOK AT FATHERHOOD PROMOTING FATHERHOOD INVOLVEMENT IN THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHY START COALITIONS Embracing Fatherhood Initiative Latoya Hill, Alison Nelson, & Natalie Rella Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions 2011 Annual Summer Education and Training Forum Fort Lauderdale, Florida July 25-27, 2011 Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions 2011 Annual Summer Education and Training Forum Fort Lauderdale, Florida July 25-27, 2011

A FRESH LOOK AT FATHERHOOD

The Case for Paternal Involvement 24 million children, 1 out of 3, grow up in homes in which their biological fathers do not live with them. 1 in 4 white children live in father-absent homes. In the African-American community, 2 out of 3 children live without biological fathers in the home. One in three Hispanic children live in father-absent homes.

Infant Mortality and Birth Outcomes The Case for Paternal Involvement Infants with absent fathers were more likely to be born with lower birth weights, to be preterm and small for gestational age. Lack of perinatal paternal involvement increases infant mortality nearly four times for Black women compared to White women.

The Case for Paternal Involvement A child with a nonresident father is 54% more likely to be poorer than his or her father. 39% of jail inmates lived in mother-only households PovertyIncarceration Teen Pregnancy Being raised by a single mother raises the risk of teen pregnancy, marrying with less than a high school degree, and forming a marriage where both partners have less than a high school degree.

The Case for Paternal Involvement Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school Students living in father- absent homes are twice as likely to repeat a grade in school Living in a single-parent home doubles the risk that a child will suffer physical, emotional, or educational neglect. Child AbuseEducation Childhood Obesity Obese children are more likely to live in father-absent homes than are non-obese children

What happens when fathers are involved??? …Hope Abounds

Benefits to Mom and the Pregnancy Positive mother-father relationship quality was associated with frequent father contact and adequate father parenting Paternal involvement can promote positive pregnancy behaviors decreased stress, increased prenatal care and a reduction in smoking behaviors MomPregnancy Choi & Jackson, 2010; Alio et al, 2010

Benefits for the Child Behavior Outcomes Increased paternal involvement leads to increased positive behavioral outcomes for the child compared to children with absent fathers. Children with two parent families had fewer behavior problems compared one-parent homes. Children had better perceived confidence and social acceptance than children who did not identify a father figure Non-resident father involvement could benefit their childrens behavioral development. Coley, 1998; Flouri &Buchanan, 2004; Jackson, Choi & Franke, 2009; Teachman et al, 1998; Choi & Jackson, 2010

Benefits for the Child Academic success Encouraging father engagement during pregnancy and childs transition into kindergarten is instrumental in childs future academic success Father and father figure involvement is linked to improved cognitive development and academic success Superior scores in reading and math compared one-parent homes Shannon et al, 2008; Coley, 1998; Dubowitz et al., 2001; Teachman et al., 1998

Benefits for the Child and Family Families without fathers are five times more likely to be poor as married-couple families. Financial instability has been found to negatively impact child well being Increased involvement during pregnancy and early childs life may improve chances of the father: Having a relationship with the childs mother Stay employed or find employment Having greater connectedness and appropriate financial obligation to the child Cancian & Reed, 2009; Shannon et al, 2009; Cabrera et al, 2008 Financial Stability

A Personal Account Michael Watkins Responsible Fatherhood Initiative Grant Coordinator at Pinellas County Health Department

Engaging Fathers & Males Interact with fathers in a style that demonstrates respect, empathy, and high expectations. Make sure fathers feel invited. Express positive comments about men in both formal and informal settings General attitude and message is given to fathers that their role as active parents is critical to their childrens development Explain to him the importance of being an involved father

Engaging Fathers & Males Offer physical activities & programs for father and child Remember fathers are men, and that makes them visual; therefore use interactive games, workshops, or sports Be patient, understanding, and encourage fathers Dont expect him to know everything. Demonstrate to him how to and encourage him for getting it right OR wrong.

Embracing Fatherhood Initiative: We propose FAHSC Leadership: Adopt father-friendly service as part of the organizational culture of the coalitions Integrate paternal involvement training for FAHSC staff in all 30 coalitions statewide; particularly frontline staff

Acknowledgments Dr. Deborah Austin REACHUP Inc. Dr. Judi Vitucci Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas, Inc. Dr. Russell Kirby University of South Florida, Tampa Dr. James McHale University of South Florida, St. Petersburg Dr. Julie Baldwin Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa Dee Jeffers Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center

Tabling Event Please visit our information table How father-friendly is your coalition? Do a quick assessment to automatically be entered into a raffle Win gift card prize package Pick up a Brochure to share with colleagues and clients Share your personal success stories THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!