Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior, and avoid high-risk behaviors such as drug use, truancy, and criminal activity compared to children who have uninvolved fathers.

(FROM THE NATIONAL FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE (NFI) WEBSITE)

The objectives of the Fatherhood Initiative are to increase men’s awareness of their importance in their child’s life and to improve their understanding of positive parent-child interaction and healthy child development.  Program services include:

• Home visits to fathers made by a Fatherhood Advocate
• Use of specific curriculum/information geared toward parenting as a father
• Monthly support groups for fathers
• Periodic outings/activities for fathers and their children
• Information sharing which focuses on promoting positive parent-child interaction supports optimal child health and development and promotes self-sufficiency