This online article explores the relationship between the mental health of children and their parents. Parents who have their own mental health challenges, such as coping with symptoms of depression or anxiety, may have more difficulty providing care for their child compared to parents who describe their mental health as good. Although fathers are not included in research studies as often as mothers, the article references a 2021 study that showed the importance of promoting mental health among all types of…
Video, Webinar
On average, men are less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than women. Moreover, they often are reluctant to seek medical care. Physical health problems, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges such as depression, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder can prevent fathers from spending positive, quality time with their children. To increase the longevity and the quality of their lives and relationships, we must encourage dads to attend to their physical and mental health needs early and regularly.
Why don’t more fathers take steps that could improve their…
Webinar
Four presenters from three states answered the questions below and identified innovative practices states are utilizing to engage fathers in the 13th FRPN learning community webinar.
What are innovative state policies and practices to engage fathers in key family programs?
How are some child support agencies passing through more child support to families, adjusting orders for fathers with low incomes, engaging fathers to avoid court involvement and using debt forgiveness and driver’s license reinstatement to promote father engagement in workforce and parenting programs?
How are some… Parents who are involved with child welfare services (CWSI) often have a history of childhood adversity and depressive symptoms. Both affect parenting quality, which in turn influences child adaptive functioning. We tested a model of the relations between parental depression and child regulatory outcomes first proposed by K. Lyons-Ruth, R. Wolfe, A. Lyubchik, and R. Steingard (2002). We hypothesized that both parental depression and parenting quality mediate the effects of parental early adversity on offspring regulatory outcomes. Participants were 123 CWSI parents and their toddlers assessed…
Federal law sets timelines for states' decisions about placing foster care children in permanent homes, and, in some cases, for filing to terminate parental rights. Some policymakers have questioned the reasonableness of these timelines for children of incarcerated parents and expressed interest in how states work with these families. GAO was asked to examine: (1) the number of foster care children with incarcerated parents, (2) strategies used by child welfare and corrections agencies in selected states that may support contact or reunification, and (3) how the Department of Health and Human…
This chapter draws upon 14 years of related ethnographic studies to uncover the principal features that characterize family life among the poor. Experiences dealing with multiple agencies are discussed, as well as experiences dealing with health problems in the context of the U.S. medical care system, and the aftermaths of household emergencies. 34 references.
This chapter reviews how theorists and policymakers portray the state’s capacity to alter the behavior and beliefs of low income parents and then highlights findings from a study of two women’s experiences in their efforts to find jobs and supportive resources. Finding a job and securing welfare supports were linked to their parenting pathway, however, the mothers’ first concern was their children’s well-being. The chapter concludes by exploring whether the motivating power of raising children might lead to a more effective family policy. 34 references. (Author abstract modified)
This guide is intended to help both family members and healthcare professionals who are working together to improve care for children with special healthcare needs. Joining together in multi-disciplinary teams, family members and providers are increasingly working as equal partners to improve care. Collaborating as equals may be new for family members and providers. This guide includes information and guidance on how to get the most out of this potentially powerful partnership. (Author abstract)
How do parents experience stress? How does the social environment, economic hardship, and the very nature of parenting contribute to a parent's stress and coping? Learn how parents and their families are influenced - physically, cognitively, and emotionally - by their experiences with stress. Find coping strategies and ways to help families as they navigate stressors in their environment. (Author abstract)
This book establishes a safe environment where fathers-to-be, fathers, and father figures can receive support – in the comfort of their own homes or in a group setting – in exploring their fears and past traumatic experiences and how these may impact their role as fathers. Through a series of reflective exercises and messages, the intervention works to help fathers overcome the past and discover their full caring potential, so that they can positively engage with their children and families throughout each phase of parenthood. The intervention, authored by Fathers’ Uplift CEO and Founder…
