Based upon existing literature and experiences from the field, the Foundation has compiled the following recommendations and proven practices for Fatherhood programs.

The packaging and delivery of services are critical to reaching fathers.  While most social services are delivered using a traditional case management approach, modifications should be considered when working with fathers.  Fathers initially work with staff to develop a set of goals for improving their roles as fathers based upon their needs, not what the program specifically offers.  Fathers are urged to participate in the complete, holistic program, and not just single out one or two services to meet crisis needs and then move on. Programs services are offered using a variety and combination of approaches: 1) group sessions 2) individual sessions and 3) referrals to other agencies for services sometimes accompanied by the Fatherhood program staff or minimally with the coordination of the program staff.  The degree of staff involvement often depends upon the father's capacity and comfort level with the referral agency.

Fatherhood programs provide information, education and improvement strategies in group sessions, an essential component of fatherhood programming. While the information that is shared is important, the forum and opportunity to process information as a group is key to positive program results. Additional activities are planned with the fathers to increase the level of bonding, trust and accountability between the fathers and between the fathers and the program staff.

Where more intense attention is needed, program staff provide assistance and guidance one-on-one.  The information and services are not necessarily delivered by the program staff but in close partnership with the community resources. The fatherhood program staff is the critical link between the fathers and service providers and between service providers.  The fatherhood program staff help to provide the bridge so that fathers have a coordinated system of support and help to bring meaning to his on-going efforts for improvement. Even within community-based programs, the complexity of a father's situation and his capacity to work through the system vary and require different levels of involvement on the part of the staff.

Regardless of a father's entry point into a program, i.e. through a community referral or outreach or through the prison system, many themes reoccur and emerge as core issues for fathers. While men may be employed, fathers are consistently under-employed and do not experience long-term employment with benefits, have legal issues mainly around non-payment of child support, experience some alcohol and drug abuse, have strained relationships with the mother of their children, have strong desires to be a part of their children's lives, suffer emotional distress and generally do not make use of any positive support system even when they are available.

To address these issues most of the Foundation's fatherhood programs offer a core set of services consistent with the national experiences and built upon best practices of the field.  These services include:

• Job readiness and employment
  Too many fathers are under-educated and not properly trained for jobs that earn a livable wage.  Fathers who do have the skills often have difficulty locating a good paying job and has the skills, such as time or anger management, to help him stay employed.  Fatherhood programs help ensure that fathers acquire minimal education with assistance obtaining GEDs or advanced education with local technical colleges. Some fatherhood programs have employment training on-site, generally related to construction skills. Fatherhood programs help fathers connect with job opportunities and employment training through relationships developed between potential employers including temporary services and the Fatherhood program staff. Program staff work to help fathers acquire life skills needed for employment and help deal with issues of confidence, conflict resolution, time management, etc.  Programs help arrange for transportation to employment.
  
  

• Legal education and assistance
  primarily focusing on child support issues including paternity establishment, child support orders and access and visitation. Presently few alternatives are available to fathers for assistance in resolving legal issues other than hiring a private attorney that for low-income fathers is often NOT affordable.  Non-profit legal services do not address child support issues as it is deemed a non-emergency.  The process for pro se where fathers can advocate for themselves is unavailable in most courts and is an intimidating and ineffective process without assistance to a father from a knowledgeable source.  Fathers simply are uninformed of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to paternity establishment, child support and access and visitation.  And, there is no one they trust to inform them in a way that they can understand and act upon.  Fatherhood programs offer education regarding the legal issues relative to child support, paternity establishment and visitation. fatherhood programs help fathers get child support orders properly set with help in documenting income and payment of child support (when not through the court system).  They educate them about the review and adjustment process and procedures. When necessary, program staff will accompany fathers to court for support during legal proceedings.  Programs have legal funds to loan to fathers to help pay for legal expenses or have attorneys who will volunteer time and expertise to the program. Some fatherhood programs have made formal arrangements with local family court judges to offer the program as an alternative to incarceration when fathers are found in contempt of court for non-payment of child support. When possible, program staff help fathers improve communication skills and parenting skills to help increase communication between mothers and fathers and to boost mother's confidence in fathers' ability to parent. This strategy helps to reduce barriers often associated with access and visitation.  In some cases, the Fatherhood program will help mediate an agreement for visitation.
  
  

• Parenting
  Unfortunately too many fathers have not had the benefit of a role model to help guide them as parents.  Thus, fathers feel insecure in their role and may question their fathering ability.  While parenting programs are offered through a number of providers, fatherhood programs offer parenting classes aimed specifically for fathers and are designed to help both parents work together in parenting even if they are not living together nor presently have a romantic relationship.  It is often termed co-parenting or team parenting.  Programs often plan father/child activities to help reinforce the importance of parenting and spending time together.
  
  

• Emotional Counseling and Peer Support
  Fathers often mask the emotional devastation of their own childhood experiences of an absent father, the present pain of separation from their children, the lack of self esteem associated with unemployment and failure in the educational system and work place, and the emotional suffering that comes with the general sense of hopelessness.  Emotional healing must occur in order for fathers to become successful as men and as fathers.  In fatherhood programs, most counseling occurs in the group setting where fathers build comradery and understanding by identifying with other fathers who are experiencing the same feelings and frustration. One-on-one counseling is offered when more intensive attention is needed.
  
  Group sessions are not limited to sorting through emotional issues. Growing and learning together is essential for the fathers. Peer support is a sustaining motivator and support in seeking jobs, accepting responsibility, encouragement to reach out to their children and accountability for their decisions and behavior.  Because too many fathers have not experienced strong families or positive supportive networks, the peer support provides them the kind of positive connection and reinforcement that comes from being apart of a group. 
  
  

• Spiritual Development
  Regardless of religious preferences, most fathers are aware of the spiritual dimension of their lives; however, for a number of reasons, this spiritual component has never been explored or developed, particularly as it enhances their role as fathers.  Values and moral issues are explored within the context of spiritual development.  As the issue of marriage rises, spiritual development component of the program is where this issue is addressed when and only when fathers are ready mentally and emotionally to do so.  Religion and theology are not the focus of the spiritual development component.  It is simply the recognition and development of the inward man and his relationship and connection with a Higher Spiritual power.  Often, the spirit man and the spiritual view are what sustain the pursuit of fathers to improve their lives and their relationship with their children.  Absent the spiritual and emotional component, the acquisition of skills is simply that.  The spiritual component gives meaning and long-term purpose that would be missing with the newly gained or improved skills.
  
  

• Drug and alcohol treatment
  Drug and alcohol abuse continue to plague fathers in the programs.  Such behavior inhibits employment, mother's trust of fathers to provide a safe and healthy environment, and may result in incarceration all barriers to being a father.  The treatment needed is often beyond the scope of the fatherhood program staff's training, thus close relationships are developed with local organizations specializing in treatment.  The fatherhood programs help to identify the problem, provide the referral and provide on-going support to the father in other areas while this problem is addressed.  In addition to employment and legal, substance abuse is another major barrier to fathers and must be addressed by professionals in concert with the areas of focus of the fatherhood program such as spiritual and emotional development.
  
  

• Life Skills
  Too many fathers suffer from limited life skills such as communication, time management, and financial management. This lack of skills only further complicates or hinders progress in other areas.  Development of life skills is essential to ensuring the success in other areas.  Consequently, the concept of a holistic program is paramount.
  

Additional services beyond these mentioned are often required on a case-by-case basis for assistance with transportation (particularly in rural areas), housing, and disability issues.

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