Fatherhood engagement is critical to the well-being of children and families. Research consistently shows that the involvement of fathers in their children’s lives has positive impacts on development across all domains, including academic success, self-esteem, and the development of empathy and social skills. Father involvement also reduces the likelihood of maltreatment, risky or delinquent behaviors, teen pregnancy, and poverty. Additionally, when children enter care, the engagement of the father lessens the time to permanency and increases the chance of reunification. For all of these reasons, fatherhood engagement must be a priority in both prevention efforts and to support the long-term well-being of children and families.
The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) partners with the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families (CCFF) and Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) to increase fatherhood engagement and support community-based agencies that offer parenting resources for fathers statewide. In addition to providing training and advocacy for fatherhood engagement, CCFF provides mini-grants to community-based agencies to build capacity for the implementation of activities that support responsible fatherhood, economic stability, and healthy relationships. CCFF also sponsors an annual Fatherhood Summit and the KY Dad Academy, a six (6) week, ten (10) module training on engagement, communication, advocacy, policy, and capacity building.
Many other community agencies offer services and supports tailored to fathers. For example, Community Collaborations for Children (CCC) recruits fathers, grandfathers, and other male caregivers for the CCC parent advisory council. Regional networks also offer specific events and trainings geared toward fathers.