In the early 1990's, research done by social scientists indicated that there was an alarming number of American children living in households with no father. Moreover, the research showed that these children were less likely to succeed in life, and were more prone to encounter problems with drugs and other criminal activity. Unfortunately, at the time, little was being done by the government to address this issue. Most civic agencies and social service organizations were involved with initiatives aimed at helping children and mothers to escape poverty. Also, in many areas of popular culture, dads were portrayed as counterproductive members of the family unit. Fatherhood initiative programs were set up to make social service, government and entertainment sectors aware of the fact that fatherhood is something to be valued and acted on. In 1995, 'Father Facts' was published. This consisted of research explaining why so many children were without fathers, and why they needed them. In 1997, a Responsible Fatherhood Congressional Task force was formed, and public service advertising campaigns were launched to promote the concept of fatherhood. Visit us here. These days, across all states, there are resources in place to facilitate the positive engagement of dads with their families and children. Local community organizations, faith communities and schools are examples of groups that offer services and guidance. Typically, these groups will host events for families over the course of a year. Fatherhood initiative programs tend to focus on problems relating to family instability and chronic unemployment. They seek to create opportunities for economic security through work, and offer access to other vital support services and interventions. The idea is to make urban communities stronger, by giving disengaged young men the means to be self sufficient. In Maryland, for example, over 1500 people are helped each year, and thousands of full time jobs are secured for them once they complete the appropriate workforce development initiatives. Vulnerable, low income citizens can use fatherhood programs to receive job skills training, and learn about career planning and advancement. Often, these programs teach young fathers about healthy relationships, sobriety, parenting skills, housing and child support issues. This type of mentoring is crucial for men who have grown up without a proper role model, and who need a little guidance in the right direction. This way, these men can ensure that their children avoid suffering the same disadvantages they have suffered. Services for couples are available as well, to facilitate stable relationships, help people improve their financial circumstances and strengthen the family unit. Usually, the organizers of these services feedback the data they acquire to key legislators, decision makers and other government representatives. This allows them to communicate the affect of broader policy decisions on lower income families. Most of these services depend on donations from the general public. For too long, society has overlooked the impact a good father can have on a child's life. Fatherhood initiative programs have turned many people's lives around, and have helped to combat some of the social injustices prevalent across America. |
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