Community of Practice – Engaging Fathers and Father Figures in Early Childhood Systems of Care: Engaging with Fathers and Father Figures from Special Populations
Source: National TTA Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC)
Resource Type: Video or Webinar
Transformation Team Subjects: Infant & Early Childhood
Key Topics: Family, Policy, Positive Youth Development, System of Care
In an effective system of care, families are essential partners at the levels of service, management, and policymaking. As part of the process of engaging families, it is crucial to engage fathers and father figures in children’s mental health and related human services that have historically been framed as mother-and-child-serving systems. Researchers have learned that fathers have a critical role in children’s mental health, but need more support to fulfill their potential (L. Khan, 2017).
In this recorded Community of Practice, fathers and grandfathers shared their advocacy journeys on behalf of their young children with (or potentially with) social-emotional and behavioral health needs. In addition, we heard from program and state leaders who have been fine-tuning approaches for engaging fathers and father figures from vulnerable communities in families and systems. Participants were supported in thinking through ways to embed and enhance father-friendly strategies at the agency and systems level.