Center for Urban Families “Including Fathers in the Work We Do with Families” CFUF Presenters: James Worthy, Director of Responsible Fatherhood

James Worthy, Dir. Responsible Fatherhood Responsible Parenting Engagement of NCPs Child Support Fatherhood Group Facilitation Client Recruitment & Retention Street Outreach CFUF Presentation Team

The Center for Urban Families work with fathers pre-dates the organization. This work was rooted in the founder’s own personal story. He envisioned a community where children would have access to both parents. This passion fuels the organization nationally recognized Responsible Fatherhood program!

 October 2009 – We brought all of our services under one roof!

 Founded in 1998  Central to CFUF’s mission is the belief that men—the most disconnected and underserved citizens in urban communities— who connect with women, their children, and the workplace are key to the restoration of stability and optimism.  We have provided services for over 15,000 individuals, the majority of whom are employed, productive citizens passing their skills on to the next generation.  We have the model, the expertise, the commitment, the passion, and the ability to change the lives of thousands in Baltimore.  Our work falls into both the direct service and policy advocacy arenas.

 Our organizational goal is to assist individuals in regaining the personal power needed to benefit their families and communities by:  Striving to create self‐sufficient men, women, and families by connecting fathers to their children;  Creating opportunities for economic and financial security through work; and,  Supporting the strengthening of Baltimore families.

 Responsible Fatherhood - helps fathers to reconnect with their families, find employment, resolve child support issues, overcome addiction, and learn parenting skills.

Client Demographics:  Criminal History. Over 63% have been convicted of either a felony and/or misdemeanor; 25% are on parole or probation at time of enrollment.  Education. 45% do not have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Average client reading and math proficiency levels: 7th grade and 6th grade, respectively.  Housing. 53% lack stable housing. Nearly all live in high-crime and high-poverty areas of Baltimore City.  Employment & Income. 35% report having no employment in the 12 months prior to enrollment. Median income for the Southern Park Heights, Sandtown/Winchester and Middle East communities – the communities in which many of CFUF’s program participants reside – are $21,218, $18,924 and $14,900, respectively.  Family. 58% report having children under the age of 18 at the time of enrollment.  Substance Abuse. Over 40% report having had a substance abuse problem in the past.

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Child Support Arrear Orders:

 “Street Outreach” – Going where they are! 1. Men most often don’t come to us! 2. Know your community 3. Engage men on their territory  Organization Outreach – Go to the places that are serving Fathers 1. Partnerships 2. Community Involvement Outreach

 What’s your Offer (WIIFM) 1. Market your services with the Father in Mind 2. Assessment Father’s WANTS (needs) 3. Don’t let your PROGRAM WANTS (needs) overshadow the Father 4. Allow and encourage “CANDOR” in your conversation Recruitment

FATHER

Fathers?

Responsible Fatherhood  Baltimore Responsible Fatherhood Project 1.The Curriculum Sessions 2.The Skills Workshops 3.The Case Management  Service Model 1.Four Month Cohort Model  Manhood and Responsible Fatherhood  Responsible Parenting  Healthy Relationships  Working & Money Management

Responsible Fatherhood  Service Model (cont’d) 2.Skills Workshops  Child Support 101  Parenting  Conflict resolution / Domestic Violence prevention  Budgeting & Money Management 3.Case Management  Pre/Post Assessments  E-Child Support registration  Barrier management  Home visits  Court representation  Service referrals

Programs Retention FATHER Supporting Fathers in Job Retention Child Support - Understanding the Dilemma

Programs Retention FATHER Supporting Fathers in Job Retention Child Support - Understanding the Dilemma

Center For Urban Families' Dad of the Year! Mr. Dale Gholston Our Dads

Questions?