B4 - Taking Fatherhood Work to the Next Level: Exploring Father Involvement Curriculums as Beneficial Tools in Promoting Positive Behaviors and Healthy Relationships

This workshop will explore how innovative, evidence-based programs and curriculums (Supporting Father Involvement, Fathers & Couples, and Strengthening Families Approach) are beneficial tools in promoting positive behaviors and healthy relationships in Fathers & Families.  Presenters will show how to strengthen father-child relationships by addressing issues of child abuse/neglect and domestic abuse, discipline, trauma, loss/separation, intimacy, and building trusting relationships.  Participants will learn: 1) to identify and overcome barriers that prevent father-child engagement  2) tips to make your organization "father friendly”; 3) how to effectively engage fathers as a strategy for family strengthening; and 4) how to implement fatherhood programs in diverse communities; the military, gay and homeless families.

Presenters: Samantha Florey & Roderick Elzy, Strategies-Children's Bureau, Anaheim, CA; and Alan-Michael Graves, Andre Feijoo & Anthony Youth, Children's Institute, Inc., Los Angeles, CA