The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The The FATHER (Fostering Actions To Help Earnings and Responsibility) Project program has been reviewed by the CEBC in the area of: Father Involvement Interventions, but lacks the necessary research evidence to be given a Scientific Rating.

• Types of Maltreatment: Does not target any specific kind of maltreatment
• Target Population: Low-income fathers, primarily non-custodial

The FATHER Project aims to empower fathers to overcome the barriers that prevent them from supporting their children economically and emotionally. It is designed to be a “one-stop shop,” connecting low-income fathers with all the services they need in one location. The FATHER Project has developed a model for bringing together parenting education, child support, GED education, employment services, legal services, and early childhood education under one roof. In addition to fathers, mothers and children also actively participate in FATHER Project services. The model has been used with diverse populations, leveraging the expertise of culturally-specific organizations in implementing the holistic approach. The ultimate long-term impact of the program involves service recipients hopefully progressing to become community leaders through intensive engagement in one of three “Leadership Track” options after key program goals have been accomplished.

The FATHER Project has three levels of goals:

Short-Term Outcomes:

• Improve parenting attitudes and knowledge
• Improve parenting skills
• Increase commitment to fatherhood
  
• Increase contact with children
  
• Improve job search skills
  
• Increase earnings
• Job placement, retention and advancement

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Increase time spent with children
  
• Increase quality of parenting involvement with children
  
• Increase earnings and career advancement
  
• Increase length of job retention
  
• Increase in paternity establishments and child support payments

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Improve well-being of children and families
  
• Produce strong, stable, and healthy men, who support their families and strengthen their communities for the long term
  
• Increase community involvement, leadership, and volunteerism