Raising the Bar of Expectation for Young Men Ken Sanders - Program Director Fathering is for Life.

Presentation Objectives Why should we care? Research on Young Fathers What we know about Young Fathers Why the lack of connection between young men teen pregnancy prevention What’s happening now

Why Care??? 17.4 per 1,000 males ages 15-19 years became teen fathers in 2002 Teen dads enter labor market earlier but… initially earn more money than do other males by the time they reach mid-20's, they earn less study of teen fathers both before and after they become parents found differed significantly from their peers were less likely to see themselves as being in control of their lives young men who become dads before the age of 22 more likely to be absent Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation National Center for Health Statistics Youth and Society. 1995; 26(3):351-376

Young Father Research Incidence of teen fatherhood is lower than that of teen motherhood The negative consequence for dads are similar to those observed among teen mothers Their experience is impacted by both their ethnicity and cultural norms. Teenage fatherhood grows out of both personal and social contexts Increasing evidence that teen fathers want to be (and are) involved to varying degrees Teen parent programs which include helping young dads are effective if… self-sufficient teach effective parenting skills promote healthy lifestyles Early studies of teen fathers assumed they were psychologically unstable and stigmatized individuals

What we know about Young Fathers They are a potential resource for their child They want to be (or are) involved with their children They are individuals with their own unmet needs developmental dilemma – being a child while taking on adult responsibilities

Challenges to Teen Fathers The birth process Lack of role models Traditional limited expectations of dads themselves No ritual support system like moms Developmental issues of the dads Lack of research on needs of young dads Involvement is seen as punitive

A Dad Is… Leader Coach or Cheerleader Disciplinarian Winner Protector Funny Mediator Nurturer Provider

What it means to be a Dad

What does a teen dad tend to be??? ABSENT!!!

The Challenge to all of Us El Paso County - highest concentration of children (ages 0-18) in the state Divorce rate in El Paso County is 73% 60% of children born today will live part of childhood in single parent home 90% of dads become non-custodial and 50% of them become disengaged Children in one-parent homes twice as likely to have school dropout, teen pregnancy, or substance abuse problems Over 70% of people in prison for violent crimes grew up without their fathers

Father Absence Risk Factors The effect that a father’s absence has on his children… 90% of all homeless and runaway children 85% of all children in mental facilities 85% of all youths in prisons 71% of all adolescents receiving substance abuse treatment 63% of youth suicides Source: US D.H.H.S. and Bureau of Census

Services of the Center on Fathering

Our Approach Each dad an individual Dads are assessed using SWOT

New Services Funding from Colorado “Promoting Responsible Fatherhood” Initiative “InsideOut Dads” “Nurturing Fathers”

Benefits of Father Involvement Emotional, Financial, and Social Support Help through abandonment or other emotional issues Critical knowledge of medical, genetic information or financial benefits Avoid out-of-home care altogether or help with quicker permanency when child placed with father or his kin. Quicker permanency saves child welfare agency resources

Benefits of Father Involvement, cont… Reduced overall caseloads in the long run More positive work environment for caseworkers Birth mothers might feel less stressed or isolated if birth dads were involved Father involvement might lead to dads feeling more empowered & responsible for their children

Developing Services for Young Dads Financial and personal self-sufficiency Gainful employment and job skills Education completion Effective parenting skills The legal aspects of fatherhood Behavioral issues Delay of future unplanned pregnancies Self-esteem Community involvement

Engaging Young Fathers Assumptions Masculinity Relationships

Questions?