Intended for biological fathers, this information sheet discusses the positive impact stepfathers can have on children and how a parenting partnership with the other father can benefit children. Biological fathers are urged to communicate with stepfathers, work together on school and homework issues, and take a genuine interest in their children. Discussion questions are included, as well as a list of recommended books.
This information sheet discusses how biological fathers can rebuild their relationship with their children. Fathers are urged to reach out to a mentor to help them become a loving father and engage in the following strategies: be involved with children as much as possible, show acceptance of children for who they are rather than only for what they do, demonstrate affection through loving words or appropriate touch, and be consistent in personal characteristics and fathering habits. Discussion questions are listed, as well as suggested actions, movies, and books.
The Alabama Department of Child Abuse Prevention (DCAP) -- The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) has a more than 25 year history as the only state agency explicitly focused on educating our communities about child abuse and neglect and providing prevention programs. DCAP is focused on supporting family-strengthening community programs andinvesting upfront in efforts to enhance the chance that children in our state grow up in a nurturing and supportive home. A 2007 study by the Universityof Alabama revealed that child abuse and neglect costs taxpayers $520,800,290 every year.In Project Year 2007-…
This information sheet discusses how biological fathers can rebuild their relationship with their children. Fathers are urged to reach out to a mentor to help them become a loving father and engage in the following strategies: be involved with children as much as possible, show acceptance of children for who they are rather than only for what they do, demonstrate affection through loving words or appropriate touch, and be consistent in personal characteristics and fathering habits. Discussion questions are listed, as well as suggested actions, movies, and books.
Intended for biological fathers, this information sheet discusses the positive impact stepfathers can have on children and how a parenting partnership with the other father can benefit children. Biological fathers are urged to communicate with stepfathers, work together on school and homework issues, and take a genuine interest in their children. Discussion questions are included, as well as a list of recommended books.
Brief
In the late 1990s, a handful of states began to fund healthy marriage and relationship (HMR) programs and initiatives intended as a promising new strategy for strengthening families and improving child well-being. The states were soon followed by the federal government, which launched a healthy marriage initiative in 2002. The following questions initially were raised about this new policy development:1. What are the reasons why government should get involved in what is surely a private matter or a matter for individuals, couples and faith-based institutions? Why should marriage and couple…
This brief offers recommendations from a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State administrator who included marriage-related initiatives in the State's TANF budget. Recommendations for implementing marriage initiatives include build collective ownership, be sure people know how to utilize or apply a good idea or services, grow champions, and document success. The following three-step approach for developing a marriage initiative is described: understand it, package it, and grow it.
This brief offers recommendations from an Oklahoma State policymaker on managing a statewide Healthy Marriage Initiative. Information is provided on the development of the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (OMI), the goals of the program, and the strategies used. Recommendations include: deliver evidence-based or research informed services; be prepared to change based on emerging research; include potential constructive skeptics from the beginning; temper your zeal for high productivity by acknowledging the realities of today's complex families; make a realistic assessment about the resources,…
This brief draws on the personal experience of the Project Director for Family Services of Greater Houston in Texas, to offer tips for lobbying a State's legislature for the implementation of marriage preparation and relationship strengthening services. Recommendations include: know your legislators, know the lobbyists, do your homework before you pick up the phone, be specific about the funding you will go after, make an appointment, help write the bill, and review similar bills created in different States and incorporate language from those bills.
Asking your partner to attend a relationship education workshop might suggest that you think something is wrong or that you're not happy in your relationship, even if that is not the case. Marriage and relationship education is a fantastic support for couples who are looking to improve an already good relationship or couples who may be struggling with an on-going issue. This tip sheet can help you start your discussion about marriage education with your partner. (Author abstract modified)
