Brief
Between July 1998 and October 1999, the Center on Fathers, Families, and Public Policy (CFFPP) held a series of colloquia that focused on the experiences of low-income fathers as they negotiate the systems of paternity establishment and child support enforcement. The meetings were attended by low-income, mostly never-married noncustodial fathers, caseworkers from community-based organizations who work with low-income, never-married noncustodial fathers, researchers, policy analysts, and poverty lawyers whose work has centered on low-income noncustodial fathers and their families. The…
The mission of the Fatherhood Movement is to reestablish the relationships between fathers and their children that are necessary for a strong society. This book examines the reasons why contemporary fathers are not involved in family life from the historical, social, economic, and spiritual perspectives. Written by experts from a wide range of disciplines, the chapters recommend actions that can be taken by individuals, organizations, and government agencies to engage fathers and support their families. Topics include the development of the Fatherhood Movement, the importance of fathers, the…
This study examined the characteristics of caseworkers that affect their work with the birth fathers of children in kinship care. Fifty-four caseworkers were interviewed about case assessment procedures, permanency planning activities, service provision, frequency and content of contacts with the child and family, and consultations on 100 cases. Almost two-thirds of the caseworkers participating in the study reported that they had no contact with the father of the focus child during the previous six months. Only 2 percent of fathers were involved in the most recent case review and 6 percent…
This 1999 report on State programs to encourage responsible fatherhood is organized into 5 chapters and provides 2 sets of information. National and State-by-State indicators give a profile of fathers and fatherhood in each State, examining such indicators as family structure, employment, educational attainment, poverty status, and State activity in collecting child support. The other set of information provides aggregate and State-by-State information on the policies and practices regarding responsible fatherhood. The introduction of the report gives a societal view of fatherhood and…
This chapter reports the findings of a study of father-son relationships among 18 adolescent sex offenders. The objective of the research was to examine the role of paternal deprivation in psycho-sexual development and sexually abusive behavior. None of the boys in the study reported having a warm and nurturing relationship with their birth fathers. Slightly more than half of the boys indicated that their father had abandoned their family when they were young. Eighteen percent of the boys had been sexually abused by their father and 50 percent were physically abused. Psychoanalytic theory…
A framework for defining the role of fathers must acknowledge the importance of commitment, the fact that not all fathers are married to the mother of their children, and responsibilities other than that of "breadwinner." This chapter describes four key dimensions of fathering identified from a review of social science, biological, historical, and theological literature: involvement, consistency, awareness, and nurturance. Involvement depends on the father's ability to be engaged with his children, as well as accessible and responsible for their daily needs. A father's level of involvement…
Designed for parents, youth workers, and teachers, this book explores the complex interplay between the cultural forces that are molding and shaping the values, attitudes, and behaviors of youth. Section 1 discusses the characteristics of adolescents, how the Bible can help parents raising their children, and societal trends impacting adolescents. Section 2 describes how the media and music impact teens. Chapters explain how music molds adolescents, what the media is teaching teens, and how parents can lead their children through the maze of music and the media. The types of pressures…
Designed for parents, this book provides strategies for parents to use to mentor their children's development. It begins with a discussion on the importance of discovering the talents of a child, what is meant by mentoring, and using everyday activities for mentoring opportunities. Chapters 1 and 2 discuss the raising and nurturing of children, finding teachable moments, and the need to appreciate individuality, respect choices, encourage interests, and provide responsible guidance and supervision. Chapters 3 and 4 describe how parents can be on the lookout for identifying strengths in a…
1. Getting to Know Today's Adult Child. 2. When Your Adult Child is Not Succeeding. 3. When the Nest Isn't Emptying. 4. When Your Adult Child Moves Home. 5. Major Hurdles to Independence. 6. Conflicts Over Lifestyle Issues. 7. Becoming an In-law and a Grandparent. 8. Meeting Your Own Needs. 9. Developing a Confident, Growing Relationship. 10. Leaving Your Child a Positive Legacy. Study Guide.
Chapter 1: Taming the Mouse: Developing the Habits of Computer-Smart Parents. Chapter 2: Buying a PC: Understanding the Lingo, Being a Smart PC Shopper. Chapter 3: Upgrade or Move On? What to Do With an Old PC. Chapter 4: Where the Rubber Hits the Road: Buying Software That Makes Sense for Your Family. Chapter 5: Driver's Ed on the Internet, Part I: Learning Basic Concepts and Lingo. Chapter 6: Driver's Ed on the Internet, Part II: How to Go Online, Get Around and Communicate With Friends and Strangers. Chapter 7: Jump-Starting Your Child Into the Digital Age: Tips, Strategies and Suggestions…
