Community Organizations Resource Center

Support at the agency and community level is paramount to the success of fathers.  As the nation’s most successful program for new fathers, it is our responsibility to support your efforts, which we will do through this Resource Center and website. As you can see, we are just getting going.

As we build this resource center, we would like to learn from your experience, and pass it on to the next organization. Please forward information to us at info (at) bcnd (dot) org for review and posting on this site.

Is Your Agency “Father Friendly” 

The most important factors for an agency to assess are those that relate to father friendliness. This brief list of recommendations will help you determine how your organization can improve efforts to support fathers in your community. These guidelines were adapted from The Assessment Guide to Father Inclusive Practices by Neil Tift of the National Practitioners Network for Fathers & Families, 1003 K Street NW, Suite 565, Washington DC – (202) 737-6680.

Overall Organization

  • Provision of services to fathers is included in your agency’s mission statement along with a belief that problems resulting from failures among fathers can often be prevented.
  • Commitment to serving fathers is reflected in budget priorities,and particularly the hiring of fathers.

Physical Environment

  • Reading materials (magazines, books, literature) that are directed toward fathers and men in families are readily available and accessible.
  • Interior decoration depict fathers as well as mothers and reflect the interests of males.
  • A diaper deck is provided in the men’s restroom.

Program Content

  • Respect for masculine parenting approaches is held in equal regard with feminine parenting approaches.
  • Activities and lessons include topics and issues related to role of father.
  • Curricula and materials utilized reflect the diversity of fathers served.
  • Special events that celebrate fatherhood and strengthen father-child relationships are scheduled as part of the program.
  • Program recruits and involves knowledgeable men to address appropriate issues.

Staff Development

  • Agency conducts periodic staff training fatherhood topics.
  • All/new staff are trained on attitudes and values that respect fathers as clients.
  • Staff is sensitive to typical barriers that limit father involvement.
  • Staff avoids language that is divisive and stereotyping by gender, race, and culture.

Policies and Procedures

  • Groups, classes and services focus on the assets of fathers rather than deficits.
  • Fathers are encouraged to shape existing and emerging program development.
  • During counseling/home visits, fathers are treated equally with mothers in scheduling, goal setting, agency expectations, resource provision, etc