REFERRAL PROCESS  Initial discussion with the mother by the Family Support Worker  Father is referred for services, contacted within three days to explain services and invited to the program following Tool Box  Intake

INTAKE  Demographics  Relationship  Parenting  Health  Education  Employment  Goals  Criminal History  Basic Needs

FATHER INVOLVEMENT PLAN  Developed within the first 45 days  Small Steps Using the SMART system S = Specific M = Measurable A = Attainable R = Realistic T = Time Oriented  Reviewed every 6 months

THE TOOL BOX (DISCUSSION GROUP)  Held twice per week (north & south county)  Meditation/Stress management tips  Alternating Curriculums –Dr. Dad = baby basics, home safety, sick child –Life Skills = What is a man? What is a father? relationships, health, prenatal and pediatric visits, community, budgeting, family cycles, substance abuse, anger management, other –Community Activities = condoms and candy, reading to children, father involvement, men’s health awareness.

FIELD VISITS  School  Work  Courts  Jail and Prisons  Homes  Street Corners  Barber shops  “The Tree ” Materials Used: lawn chairs, TVs, videos and handouts.

RITES OF PASSAGE WORKSHOP  Two Day Camping Trip  Mirror Exercise  Meditation  The Fire  Open Discussion  Speakers  Pain  Developing a Positive Peer group

GRADUATION  Held after 18 months  Families invited  Food and fun  Mayor & community leaders  Gifts & Certificates  Mentoring Invitation

LESSONS LEARNED  Support from agency leadership to include fathers in programs  Ongoing leadership & front line training on father involvement.  Funding issues (MCH)  Establishing a father friendly atmosphere  Included fathers on forms and in curriculums  Fathers want to be included  Fathers’ needs can vary from one enrollment class to another

How to Contact the Father Services Program Claude M. Dharamraj, MD, MPH, Assistant Director Pinellas County Health Department 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Street North St. Petersburg, FL Tel: (727) 824 – 6931 Fax: (727) Reggie Randolph, Sr. Father Services Program Coordinator Tel: (727) ext Fax: (727)

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS YOU NOW HOLD THE KEY