Fatherhood Engagement

 
 
 

“Through the Fatherhood Engagement program, I could trust the system again and know they wanted to help me rather than hurt me.”

When a dad begins to take greater responsibility in their child’s life after the child has been involved with the Department of Child Services, this program helps them establish that active role in a healthy manner while building a stable relationship.

At SCAN, this program is staffed by primarily men who have extensive experience working with men. SCAN staff use the evidence-based models of Motivational Interviewing, Nurturing Parents Curriculum and 24/7 Dads curriculum to support the attachment, bonding and relationship building between father and child.

 
Father playing with his two kids on a couch
 
 
 
Father reading to daughter

Why Is Fatherhood Engagement Important For Families?

  • Children deserve the love and care of their parents.

  • Fathers have the right to be a part of their child’s life.

  • Children want their parents to be a part of their lives.

  • Research shows that children who have two parents involved in their lives are healthier physically and emotionally, perform better in school, are more likely to graduate, are less likely to have adult criminal records and are more financially stable as adults.

  • Fathers are legally obligated to care for their children or allow them to move to a permanent family.

 
 
 

  • Fathers or father figures of children who have substantiated cases of abuse and/or will likely develop into an open case, an Informal Adjustment or CHINS status.

  • The Department of Child Services refers fathers to SCAN.

    Probation Services refer fathers to SCAN.

  • In a relative’s placement

    Foster care

    With Mom

    WIth Dad

Father holding daughter on his shoulders
 
 
 
 
Father carrying his son on his back

Services May Include:

  • Assistance with meeting goals.

  • Assistance with compliance to court orders.

  • Supervised visits in the community or home.

  • Education to help maneuver through DCS and the legal system.

  • Advocacy and education to help with child support.

  • Parenting education - based on age of children and Dad’s knowledge.

  • Assistance with getting homes “child ready” - including safety.

  • Case management/referrals to help with food, shelter, employment, education, addictions, mental health issues, medical and dental care, etc.

  • Mentoring through anger and grief issues.

  • Mediation with mothers or other caregivers.

  • Transportation.

  • Participation in Child Family Team Meetings.

  • Participation in court testimonies.

  • Locating and engaging the father.