Individuals or organizations seeking to create a program or a service often think, at first, that they need to start a new organization for their purposes, and find a source of funding. But that is not the only way to start providing a new service in a community, to start targeting a service to a particular population, or to achieve a specific set of goals related to families and fatherhood. It can be faster and easier, and may build a better program to first take advantage of existing services, resources and organizations with similar or related goals and purposes.
Forming partnerships with existing organizations can be a very effective way of producing results, and producing them quickly. The process of forming partnerships usually involves building working relationships on the basis of common interests. That can lead to a more permanent set of services for fathers, especially if the partner organizations incorporate fatherhood goals and objectives with theirs. Such a strategy allows program developers to focus energy on recruitment and provision of services rather than the difficult and time-consuming work of establishing a new, separate, organization.
This guidance is designed to provide enough information about direct Federal grant programs and Federally-funded State and local government programs that individuals and groups at the community level can make an informed decision about how to find partners for developing programs that support responsible fatherhood. To be sure, there are times when the best course of action is for individuals in the community to form a new organization, or for established organizations to provide new services. In those cases it does make sense to seek comprehensive funding for a new program, including grants of Federal funds (whether they come directly from the Federal government or through the State or a local agency). Programs that are more likely sources of such funds are described in Chapter 6, Program Funding: Realities and Possibilities. This chapter describes those programs that are likely to produce potential partners, limited funding, or other assets for collaboration at the community level that will be helpful in starting a fatherhood program or expanding the scope of existing efforts within the community.
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Aside from the practical considerations outlined above, there are often very good programmatic reasons to make common cause with other, existing organizations, rather than start up a new organization. Established groups usually have staff, offices, equipment, and accountants, attorneys and other advisors to cover most of the overhead and administrative requirements, and a network of contacts that can be used for programmatic purposes. If fatherhood program developers are working with an established organization that has all these attributes, then they may not have to duplicate these resources and attributes in their own group. But the best reason to seek opportunities to collaborate with others is that it is often the most effective means of achieving ones goals. Cooperation among organizations that have similar purposes, serve the same or related populations and/or provide complementary services can produce the most efficient arrangement for the customers and the community, with the most effective outcomes for the families and fathers being served.
Moreover, organizations that are already operating in a community tend to have some influence, and they can use their contacts and influence to help implement the new fatherhood program or activity. This frequently will produce better results than would be produced by a number of small, unconnected or even competing organizations. Also, it is often possible to influence the behavior of an existing organization — what it does and who it serves — by developing a partnership to address the needs of fathers and families.
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For those who are working with families, and especially those who are working with fathers, there are many organizations with which it might be beneficial to form a partnership. While it is not possible to identify all such organizations, it is possible to describe just a few key types of organizations that would be likely partners:
In thinking about organizations that might make good partners, it is useful to think very broadly about who can help achieve the goals being set for fathers. Throughout this guidance there are references to many organizations — most of them national organizations — that can provide information and assistance in developing programs for responsible fatherhood. Some of these organizations will also have State-level or local branches; it is worth visiting their national Website or calling an organization's national office, to find out if they have a local branch that might make a good partner.
Every community has a number of organizations active in providing services that could be used to support responsible fatherhood programs. The trick is to identify them and make sure the services they provide are reaching the fathers and families that have been identified as needing services. When the community already has the necessary services in place, and what's needed is to target those services toward fathers, then the organizing work is a matter of coordinating. While not easy, coordinating can be much less burdensome and a whole lot faster than trying to create, finance and operate a separate organization. Coordinating involves identifying the agencies that provide the needed services, and meeting with them to make sure they know of the needs of fathers in the community. Sometimes existing agencies can meet these needs, or a significant portion of them, with their existing resources.
Sometimes programs will need more funds to expand, but would be willing to serve fathers if they could, and the organizing work is fund-raising. That can mean helping the agency to expand the funding it receives from its existing sources, or find new sources of funding, or it can mean raising the funds within the community. On occasion, the best solution is not to raise more money, but to fill in the gaps with services that can be provided by one or more other existing organizations. Then the organizing work is collaboration. Collaboration involves bringing several organizations together to work toward shared objectives. They don't have to have identical objectives; but if their goals overlap, or at least are not in conflict, then different organizations that among them have the services or resources needed can usually find a way to work together. Often all that is necessary is for the various groups to see that they can all do a little better by helping each other, and they will want to work together. Sometimes a little persuasion will be needed.
Fundamental to any of these approaches to forming partnerships are the basic needs analysis, assessment of community capacity, and specification of project objectives that are discussed in Chapter 2 of this guidance.
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The following pages contain descriptions of some key Federal programs that provide funds that reach the community level in such a way that the local grantees might be especially good partners for fatherhood programs. The descriptions give information about eligibility and limitations on the Federal funds, and tell how they may be used at the community level to support responsible fatherhood programs. It is important to remember that while responsible fatherhood programs are one possible use of the funds, in most cases there is no requirement that the Federal funds be used for this purpose. Here the needs analysis again becomes important, since it may be needed to convince a local agency or board that it should exercise its discretion and decide to provide support for fatherhood programs, in partnership with others or as a primary funder.
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Building Partnerships — An Example In response to the reality that fathers' can have a significant impact on the ability of families to develop and thrive socially, academically and economically, HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) launched a special Fatherhood Initiative. A large number of fathers of children living in Public and Assisted Housing are not on the lease but sometimes physically reside in HUD-assisted units with their children and have families living in Public and Assisted Housing. These fathers are primarily young with several young children. Many of them are high school dropouts with limited ability to secure gainful and meaningful employment, due to their low skill levels and lack of training. In addition, many of them ultimately become connected to the criminal justice system due to criminal activity, substance abuse and/or domestic violence. The Fatherhood Initiative is designed to provide policy and program guidance and training to help low-income, low-skilled fathers pull themselves out of poverty and build stronger links to their children, their children's mothers and their community. Programming services are designed to provide a myriad of services and support systems for fathers and their families, including intense, cross-agency service coordination inclusive of case management, job training and placement, mentoring, job coaching, continuing education (i.e., GED training), advanced education, addictions treatment and counseling, domestic violence intervention, family counseling and opportunities for homeownership and micro-enterprise creation. A combination of job opportunities and housing benefits encourages family stability and unification through more active and positive father participation and inclusion, and assists fathers in assuming financial responsibility through access to jobs with wage growth potential. Partnerships are a vital component of successful fatherhood programming in order to maximize resources, services and funding. Typical partners include faith-based organizations, local social service agencies, justice programs, employment and training programs, child support enforcement agencies, labor unions, schools, substance abuse programs, teen parenting programs, medical facilities, family planning, prenatal and paternity clinics, domestic violence programs, Head Start and other agencies. Promising Public Housing community fatherhood programs and activities have been identified in Baltimore, MD, Hartford, CT and West Chester, PA. The PIH Fatherhood Initiative is being implemented by HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing under a Cooperative Agreement with the National Center for Strategic Nonprofit Planning and Community Leadership (NPCL), a nonprofit organization which plans and launches national fatherhood programming. Program strategies include focus groups to establish baseline customer information; capacity building workshops to strengthen fathers and to promote fragile family well-being for Public Housing Agencies and their community and State partners; and development of a Fatherhood Guidebook, including Best Practices. |
There is no hard and fast distinction between Federal programs and Federally funded State programs that might make good partners (programs included in this chapter) and Federal programs and Federally funded State programs that might provide good opportunities for direct funding (programs included in Chapter 6). Fatherhood programs are funded, at least in part, through all of these Federal and State programs and all of these programs have formed partnerships with fatherhood programs in some communities. However, the programs listed in this chapter have less capacity to be a primary or exclusive funding source for a comprehensive fatherhood program or have funding restrictions and/or time-limited funding periods which make them unlikely to provide funds that can sustain fatherhood efforts in a community. Several examples may help to clarify. The Department of Labor has several programs that currently fund employment, training, and job readiness services for fathers. The DOL Welfare-toWork program is included as a partnership program because all of the WtW funds have already been allocated to States and communities. Many WtW programs, however, who are serving fathers are interested in developing partnerships with other responsible fatherhood efforts to improve recruitment, increase job retention, and expand services. The Department of Labor's Workforce Investment Act system and related adult, dislocated worker, and youth services programs are included in Chapter 6 because they represent ongoing funding streams with substantial capacity for being a primary funding stream for responsible fatherhood efforts. However, because employment and training is critical to many responsible fatherhood efforts, the WIA agencies would be a potential partner in any local and State responsible fatherhood efforts, even if they did not directly fund those responsible fatherhood efforts. Likewise we have included the Early Head Start as a partnership program, even though the special three-year fatherhood demonstration grants will be awarded soon after release of this guidance. Special funding for fatherhood is not an on-going part of the Early Head Start programs funding appropriation and funding for this purpose may not be available in the future. However, not just the EHS fatherhood demonstration programs, but all Early Head Start and Head Start Programs have a commitment to involving parents, both mothers and fathers, that make them a natural partner for responsible fatherhood efforts in any community.
The program descriptions below give phone numbers and websites for more detailed information, and in some cases they have examples of how the program funds are now being used in some places to support responsible fatherhood projects.
Food and Nutrition Service
3101 Park Center Drive, Rm 906
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
Website:
www.fns.usda.gov/fns/
Phone: 703-305-2060
The Food Stamp Employment and Training (E&T) Program
The purpose of the Employment and Training (E&T) program is to help job-ready food stamp applicants and recipients find work and to assist others to gain skills, training, or experience that lead to employment. Each State, as well as the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Guam, operates an E&T program. The Food Stamp Act (Public Law 88-525) governs E&T. Individuals not specifically exempted by the Food Stamp Act must register for work and participate in E&T if assigned. Over 25 percent of food stamp recipients register to work. Approximately two-thirds of work registrants are subject to E&T.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The agency in each State that operates the Food Stamp Program is also responsible for administering E&T. State agencies choose the components that make up their programs and they identify who is exempt from E&T participation. Program components include job search training and support, independent job search, workfare, basic and advanced educational programs as well as vocational and technical training, work experience or training, and self-employment training.
Target Population:
Able-bodied food stamp applicants and recipients without dependents (ABAWDs) who are subject to the 3-month food stamp participation limit.
Type of Program Funding:
State agencies are allocated a 100 percent Federal E&T grant each fiscal year to administer the E&T Program. If a State exhausts its E&T grant, or if it uses its own money to fund program administration, the Federal government will reimburse 50 percent of the additional State costs. The Federal government also reimburses 50 percent of State costs — up to authorized limits — for dependent care and participant expenses.
Funded Entities: State agencies
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Local Organizations interested in fatherhood may contact the State agencies, which contract with outside entities, including local organizations, to provide E&T services.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
If the father is a qualified food stamp applicant/recipient he may be assigned to an E&T component, depending on the policies of the State agency. If an organization provides qualified activities, the State agency may contract with it to provide E&T services.
Other Important Facts:
Supplementary Information:
Contact Regional Food and Nutrition Offices for information on State E&TA contacts. Regional FNS Offices are listed in Appendix A.
Office of Vocational and Adult Education
Division of Adult Education and Literacy
Website:
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/Adult
Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA)
Title II of the Workforce Investment Act
Family literacy programs integrate:
The essence of family literacy is that parents are supported as the first teachers of their children. Programs work with individuals as well as with the family unit. While family literacy programs provide developmental experiences for young children, their parents are offered instruction in parenting skills and parental support to change patterns of family interaction. Some programs build the literacy skills of parents and extend learning opportunities to include pre-employment and employment skills. Instructional approaches are modified appropriately to respond to the variety of cultures within each program.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Family literacy programs vary from one community to another as each program works to meet the needs of the participants and the community. Participants in family literacy programs usually include children, single parents, or another close family member. In most programs, the term parent refers to anyone fulfilling the responsibilities usually associated with the parent of a child or children over a sustained period of time. Family literacy programs are often found as an integral component of larger adult education programs, while other family literacy services are offered as a separate program under adult education auspices.
Emerging research studies assert that children's motivation to succeed in school is influenced by the educational achievement of their parents. Cognitive science research stresses the impact of the family and social environment on cognitive development and literacy acquisition of children. Parental involvement in their children's schools influences student achievement, attendance, motivation, self concept and behavior. Studies have shown that children whose fathers are involved in the educational process tend to score higher on tests, have lower absentee rates, and are less likely to drop out of school. Consequently, efforts are warranted to get the fathers involved and mentored to ensure a positive impact on the child and home.
Program Target Population:
At Risk X ; Low-income X ; Unemployed/Underemployed X
Incarcerated X ; Other (Specify) Single parents; Welfare recipients
Type of Program Funding: Federal to State X
Funded Entities: States X ; Local Government X ; Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Contact Adult Education State Director listed on the website shown above.
Office of Compensatory Education Programs
Even Start Family Literacy Program
Website: www.ed.gov
Phone: (202) 260-0826
Even Start Family Literacy Program
The Even Start Family Literacy Program supports projects that provide educational services to low-income families, including parents eligible for services under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, and their children generally from birth through age seven. The program improves the educational opportunities of children and their parents in low-income areas by integrating early childhood, adult, and parenting education into integrated family literacy programs.
How Program Can be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The basic premise of the Even Start program is that parents (both mothers and fathers) are their children's first teachers. In addition to making early childhood education services available for children, Even Start also provides adult education, parenting education, and interactive literacy between parents and their children so that parents can prepare their children for successful school and life experiences.
Program Target Population:
Youth X ; At Risk X ; Low-income X ;Unemployed/Underemployed X ; Incarcerated X
For a family to be eligible to participate in the Even Start program, at least one child under the age of eight, and at least one of his/her parents must participate in all core services (early childhood education, adult education or English language training, parenting education, and interactive literacy activities between parents and their children). In addition, the adult parent must be: (a) eligible for participation in an adult education program under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, (b) within the State's compulsory school attendance age range, so long as the local education agency (LEA) provides or ensures the availability of the basic education component; or (c) attending secondary school. Local projects must also ensure that families served by Even Start are among those most in need of services. Although other factors may be included in determining families most in need, criteria for selection must include the level of adult literacy or English language proficiency, and a low level of income.
Type of Program Funding:
Ongoing/Operational X ; Demonstration/Research X
Direct Federal X ; Federal to State X
Funded Entities: States X ; Local Government X ; Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X
For the basic Even Start program, grants are awarded to States on a formula basis. States award subgrants on a competitive basis to local partnerships between one or more local education agencies and one or more public or private nonprofit organizations.
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
The Department allocates Even Start funds by formula to States. State Education Agencies (SEAs) make subgrants on a competitive basis to partnerships of local educational agencies and other organizations, giving priority to proposals that target areas designated by the Administration as empowerment zones or enterprise communities under Public Law 103-66 or that propose to serve families in other high need areas. In addition, some Even Start funds are reserved for local projects that serve children of migratory workers, and those that serve Federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations. Applicants for these funds apply directly to the Department of Education.
Other Important Facts:
The Even Start statute requires that SEAs equitably distribute grant funds among urban and rural areas, and that local projects assume an increasing share of program costs during the period that they are funded, beginning with 10 percent in the first year and ending with 65 percent in the ninth and subsequent fiscal years. Local projects can receive funds for up to a four years subgrant period and can compete for further funding. SEAs may reserve up to 6 percent for State level activities, and may use one-half of the amount they use for State administration.
Six percent of the annual appropriation is set aside for programs serving migrant children, the outlying areas, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and a grant to a women's prison. Up to 3 percent may be reserved for evaluation and technical assistance. The statute also authorizes $1 million for competitive grants to States for Even Start statewide family literacy initiatives.
Supplemental Information:
Patricia McKee
Group Leader
U.S. Department of Education
Room 3W106
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202
National Center for Family Literacy
Waterfront Plaza, Suite 200
325 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202-4251
(502) 584-1133
National Even Start Association
123 Camino de la Reina
Suite 202 South San Diego, CA 92108
(800) 977-373
See Appendix B: Department of Education for the Even Start Family Literacy Program Contacts:
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Migrant Education
Website:
www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/MEP/
Migrant Education Even Start (MEES)
The Migrant Education Even Start Program is designed to help break the cycle of poverty and improve the literacy of migrant families by integrating early childhood education, adult literacy/ basic education (or English language training), and parenting education into a unified family literacy program.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Parenting education involves preparing parents to become the child's first teacher. The program focuses on the relationship between parent and child, informing parents about their child's development, and through the parents' commitment to achieving their adult education goals, building family support for lifelong learning.
Program Target Population:
At Risk X* ; Low-income X* ; Unemployed/Underemployed X*
*Only Migrant Agricultural, Dairy, Fishing, Timber (and related processing industry) workers with children between birth and age 7 are eligible for this program. In addition, the adult parent must be: (a) eligible for participation in an adult education program under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, (b) within the State's compulsory school attendance age range, so long as the local education agency (LEA) provides or ensures the availability of the basic education component; or (c) attending secondary school.
Type of Program Funding:
Ongoing/Operational X ; Start-up/Capacity Building X ;
Demonstration/Research X
Direct Federal X
Funding Entities: States X ; Local Government X ; Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
An Organization would access funding by (1) submitting a competative application to the Department of Education in response to an announcement published in the Federal Register, and (2) being awarded a grant on the basis of the relative quality of the application. Announcements have been published for biennial funding in 1996, 1998, and 2000.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
Fathers wishing to access project services in their community will find summaries and contact information of funded projects listed on the Office of Migrant Education website at www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/MEP/meesfy96.
At the project/local level, outreach services to the community to enroll eligible parents are ongoing throughout the calendar year.
Other Important Facts:
Only families who are eligible for Migrant Education and Migrant Education Even Start services under Title I, Parts B and C, and 34 CFR 200.40 may be enrolled in MEES family literacy services. In addition, projects assume an increasing share of program costs during the period that they are funded, beginning with 10 percent in the first year and ending with 65 percent in the ninth and subsequent fiscal years.
Example:
In rural Oregon, the Salem-Keizer Reggio Emilia MEES project engages fathers in learning programs by focusing on their work and interests. For example, all families in the project visited a dairy farm where migrant workers are employed. The parenting units focused on child nutrition, children's safety on farm properties; farm products, animals, and farm work; adult education (reading and writing) projects focused on the father's vocational goals. At the same location, a discussion of gender roles led to fathers creating a workshop for their wives and female teachers on regular auto maintenance (oil, air pressure, and fluid checks, tire changes, etc.). Contact Irma Fernandez-Dash, Salem-Keizer School District, 1309 Ferry Street SE, P.O. Box 12024, Salem, OR 97309-0024, (503) 399-3258.
Supplementary Information:
A list of Project Directors is available at APPENDIX B
State Directors of Migrant Education (names and addresses available by calling (202) 260-1164.)
Directory of Migrant Services, US Department of Education, 2000 (available through EDPUBS: 1877-4EDPUBS).
Publications:
Resource Guide for Serving Migrant Families in Even Start Projects, 1998, US Department of Education.
Office of Compensatory Education Programs
Website:
www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/CEP
Phone: (202) 260-0826
Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as amended, Title I, Part A - Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies provides financial assistance through State Educational Agencies to local educational agencies to meet the educational needs of children who are failing or most at risk of failing to meet a State's challenging content and student performance standards in school attendance areas in schools with high concentrations of children from low income families and in local institutions for neglected or delinquent children.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Section 1118 of the Improving America's Schools Act contains extensive Parental Involvement requirements that each recipient of Title I Part A funds must implement.
As a result, district level and school level written parental policies might include specific provisions:
Where written policies do not include such features, it may be possible to work with the school district to see that they do.
Program Target Population: Youth X ; At Risk X ; Low-income X ; Incarcerated X
Type of Program Funding:
Ongoing/Operational X ;
Direct Federal X ; Federal to State X .
Funded Entities: States X ; Other: Local Educational Agencies
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Funds for this program are formula based and awarded to local education agencies (LEAs) through State Departments of Education. LEAs in turn make subgrants to schools based of the number of low income children. Funds do not flow directly to local organizations.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
There is no specific or direct funding to organizations or fathers from the Department of Education under Title I , Part A; however; an LEA in its application to the State Education Agency for funding might be able to include activities to increase and directly involve fathers in the program.
For More Information Contact:
Lorraine Wise
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Elementary & Secondary Education
Suite 3C154
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-6132
National Coalition of Title I Chapter I Parents
National Parent Center
3609 Georgia Avenue, N.W., 1ST Floor
Washington, D.C. 20010
(202)291-8100
National Association of State Title I Directors (NASTID)
P.O. Box 5320
Arlington, VA 22205
(703)536-2060
Dr. Barbara Milton
Goals 2000 Parent Centers
Director, Parental Assistance Coordination Center
(800)385-PACC(7222)
Publications:
ED PUBS
P.O. Box 1398
Jessup, MD 20794
(877)4EDPUBS
E-mail: edpubs@inet.ed.gov
http://www.ed.gov/Family/agbts
Administration for Children and Families
Administration on Children, Youth and Families,
Children's Bureau
Website Address:
http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb
Community-Based Family Resource and Support Program (CBFRS)
The Children's Bureau (CB) funds service demonstration, research, technical assistance, and training projects focused on knowledge development for adoption, foster care and child maltreatment. Some grants are available only to States. Some of the state grants are then distributed (re-granted) within the State through small, local competitions. However, many grants are awarded through a competitive peer-review process to eligible applicants (State and local agencies and non-profit community-based organizations, universities and advocacy groups with non-profit status).
The CB also provides CBFRS funds directly to States, to an entity or organization designated by the Governor to support the development of a network of child abuse and neglect prevention services across the State.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Communities should apply for Federal discretionary grant funds and compete locally for State funds to build service networks, and test innovative service delivery, treatment, and prevention activities. Grant funds may not be used for construction, the support of on-going programs, or salaries for staff of on-going programs. For discretionary funds, applicants respond to annual published announcements listing specific topics. The topics, selected by HHS officials, are based on each set of the legislative requirements and feedback from the field about emerging issues. Topics relating to responsible fatherhood (e.g., enhancing parenting and team parenting skills and parent-child relationships; involvement in educational activities, and in seeking and obtaining care for children's health and mental health; reducing family violence; facilitate through counseling, mentoring, peer support, or other means, fathers' ability to fulfill their roles as nurturers and providers for their children) could be selected.
Program Target Population: No Restrictions X
Type of Program Funding:
a. Capacity Building X ; Demonstration/Research X ;
b. Direct Federal X ; Federal to State X ; Federal/Local Government/Authority X
Funded Entities: States X ; Local Government X ; Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Eligible applicants would compete for funding in response to an announcement of competition. Time-limited and topic-specific competitions are announced once a year, usually in the Spring. The announcement is published in the Federal Register and contains descriptions of the eligible applicants, competition requirements, instructions and forms. The announcement and all necessary forms also are posted on the CB website. Potential applicants can also call the National Clearinghouse on Child Welfare and Child Abuse and Neglect Information to be put on the mailing list for future announcements (1-800-394-3366).
Interested organizations should also consider competing for the local mini-grant (or re-funding) activities pursued by funded projects under the CBFRS program or discretionary activities such as the Parent Mutual Support activity. It may also be worthwhile to form partnerships with CBFRS funded projects. Grants for eligible applicants range in amount from $50,000 to $500,000, and in duration from 17 months to five years. Grantees are required to operate and train staff to comply with all appropriate Federal laws and regulations (e.g., the Adoption and Safe Families Act, the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act).
How an Organization Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program
Successful applicants have access to assistance through the Children's Bureau Training and Technical Assistance Network. These include National Resource Centers for Foster Care and Permanency Planning; Information Technology in Child Welfare; Organizational Improvement; Special Needs Adoption; Youth Development; Child Maltreatment; Family-Centered Practice; Legal and Judicial Issues; Abandoned Infants; Community-Based Family Resource and Support Programs; National Clearinghouses on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and Adoption Information; the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), and the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA).
For more information contact the National Clearinghouse on Child Welfare and Child Abuse and Neglect Information: 1-800-394-3366
Examples of Fatherhood Initiatives or Projects Using Program Resources.
In February, 1999, a survey of the 11 Parent Mutual Support programs receiving discretionary grants from OCAN, found that 22% of responding parent participants were male. One of the grantees (Benton Park in St. Louis, MO) had a goal of increasing participation of fathers in self-help groups. Another grantee (Parents Anonymous (PA) of NJ) had a goal of establishing four ongoing "fathers only" parent support groups. The NJ grantee reported that it was targeting African American fathers, that in the first few months of operation it was already averaging 18-22 fathers per group, and that key areas of interest for the fathers included finding jobs and confronting legal issues. Another grantee (PCA VT) had a goal of improving access to PA chapters for fathers. The VT grantee is discussing with the Department of Corrections the establishment of 3 prison based groups, to increase the number of fathers participating. The NJ grantee also has developed a poster depicting an overwhelmed father, and has increased the number of male parent leaders. Another grantee (DC Children's Trust Fund) had a goal of increasing the participation of males in parent self help groups. One of the DC groups targets African American fathers.
A recent review of the states' FY98 Community Based Family Resource and Support (CBFRS) Annual Performance Reports found that CBFRS-funded programs are providing a multitude of services to strengthen and support parents (both fathers and mothers) and families. All 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico are investing their CBFRS funds in programs that enhance parenting skills and parent-child relationships; promote marriage and team parenting; facilitate parents' ability to fulfill their roles as nurturers and providers for their children, families and communities; and sustain parents' efforts to care for their families.
In addition, many States' CBFRS funded programs work to prevent premature parenthood; to reduce family violence; to provide information and referral to treatment for health, mental health, and substance abuse problems; and to provide information and referral to employment and training activities, including readiness to work.
(For further information, contact Jack Denniston, Project Manager, FRIENDS National Resource Center for CBFRS (919) 933-7716, jldenniston@intrex.net)
Supplementary Information: Children's Bureau National Resource Centers:
Foster Care and Permanency Planning:
212-452-7053
E-mail:
nrcfcpp@shiva.hunter.cuny.edu
http://guthrie.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfccp
Information Technology in Child Welfare:
202-638-2952
http://www.nrcitcw.org
Organizational Improvement:
207-780-5810
patn@usm.maine.edu
http://www/muskie/usm.maine.edu/helpkids
Special Needs Adoption:
248-443-7080
sfc@Spaulding.org
http://www.spaulding.org/adoption/nrc-adoption.html
Youth Development:
918-585-2986
Hlock@ou.edu
http://www.nrcys.ou.edu/nrcyd.htm
Child Maltreatment:
404-876-1934
NRCCM@gocwi.org
http://gocwi.org/nrccm
Family-Centered Practice:
800-628-8442
E-mail: cwrc@esilsg.org
Legal and Judicial Issues:
202-662-1746
E-mail:
markhardin@staff.abanet.org
Abandoned Infants:
510-643-8390
E-mail:
aia@uclink4.berkeley.edu
http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~aiarc/
Community-Based Family Resource and Support Programs:
800-888-7970
http://www.frca.org/friends.htm
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information:
800-394-3366
E-mail: nccanch@calib.com
http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov
National Clearinghouse on Adoption Information
888-251-0075
E-mail: naic@calib.com
http://www.calib.com/naic
National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
607-255-7799
E-mail: Datacan@cornell.edu
http://www.ndacan.cornell.edu
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
202-682-0100
http://www.aphsa.org
Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA)
202-682-0100
http://aaicama.aphsa.org
Administration for Children and Families
Administration on Children Youth and Families
Head Start Bureau
Website:
http://www2.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/hsb
Early Head Start (EHS) Fatherhood Demonstration Project
Funds have been made available to Early Head Start (EHS) grantees to increase their capacity to involve fathers in the lives of their children by focusing on community collaboration and staff education. Through comprehensive Early Head Start services, the intention of this demonstration is to:
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood
Recent research shows that, although in many cases low-income parents may not be married at the birth of their children, the majority of fathers are involved, to some extent, during birth and through the first two years of the child's life. These connections, however, become strained or diminish over time. Early Head Start programs, in working with pregnant mothers and families with infants and toddlers, are uniquely positioned to provide support and services at a critical point in families' lives.
Applicants are expected to establish partnerships in the community in order to build support and services for both parents to share the legal, financial, and emotional responsibilities of parenthood and are urged to build capacity within the community by establishing links, which may include substance abuse prevention and domestic abuse prevention, mental health, job services, family literacy, parenting education and English as a Second Language resources.
Program Target Population:; At Risk X ; Low-income X ;Other (specify) birth - 3
Type of Program Funding: Demonstration/Research X ; Direct Federal X ;
Funded Entities: Local Government X ; Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
Interested organizations could contact existing Head Start and Early Head Start programs to explore opportunities for collaboration. A father could access resources or services under the program by contacting the local Head Start/Early Head Start Program directly. However, grantees will have developed plans which include outreach to fathers of all children in the Early Head Start program for the purpose of establishing family partnership agreements.
In the Fall of 2000, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) allocated $2,000,000; up to $125,000 per program annually for three years to support up to 16 Early Head Start Fatherhood Demonstration Projects. The funds were made available on a competitive basis to current Early Head Start grantees only, to increase their capacity to involve fathers in the lives of their children through collaboration with local offices of Child Support and other community resources.
Examples of Successful, Innovative, or Promising Fatherhood Initiatives
Good Guys for Head Start
York County (Maine) Head Start has developed a highly successful initiative to enhance male involvement in its programs. With support from a grant awarded in 1998 by the ACF Regional Office in Boston, Good Guys for Head Start aims to:
To accomplish these goals, the York County program has involved all of its 14 Head Start centers in Good Guys projects and activities. More than 45 men and children participated in constructing such outdoor equipment as a sandbox, storage shed, slide, and climbing dome. Outdoor and sporting events also provided an opportunity for men to participate in constructive activities with their children. Most of these activities were held in evenings and on weekends to accommodate the mens schedules. York County Head Start programs have also purchased father involvement materials for their lending library. These materials include books on fathering and co-parenting skills. Men can borrow these resources to improve their understanding of the important role they play and enhance their ability to contribute to their children's healthy growth and development.
The seven participating Head Start centers have reported a combined increase in male volunteer hours of 572 percent.
For more information on Good Guys for Head Start, contact:
Michael Knight
Family Service/Parent Involvement Manager
York County Head Start
P.O. Box U
Biddeford, ME 04005
T: 207-283-2400; F: 207-283-2408
The Male Involvement/Empowerment Project
In 1989, the Friends of Children of Mississippi Head Start initiated the Male Involvement/ Empowerment Project to encourage and foster male participation in the home, community, and especially the lives of children. The program focuses first on working with fathers to help them become self-sufficient and to build their self-esteem, self-respect, and life skills so they feel they have something important to offer their children. The program works under the philosophy that you must help a man develop the skills to support himself before he can start supporting his children. The program works to help men travel down one of three paths:
Every other Saturday, the Friends of Children of Mississippi hosts a Male Project Summit. The program focuses on six main topics at these meetings: education, health, government, life skills, job skills, and human service. These summits aim to empower men to be culturally and socially literate, as well as self-sufficient. Men receive training in job and life skills, discuss topics of interest, and learn from members in the community about issues that are meaningful to them, such as credit, child rearing, and what employers look for in hiring.
The project also works to help men start their own businesses. It has partnered with local banks to get men start-up loans of up to $25,000. To date, the program has helped 106 businesses get underway, making many men self-sufficient. The average income in 1999 from these small businesses was between $27,000 and $28,000. Men are also putting their job training to use, with 170 jobs created, secured, or upgraded in 1999. Sixty-one fathers have gone back to school.
For more information on the Male Involvement/Empowerment Project, contact:
Marvin Hogan
Executive Director
Friends of Children of Mississippi, Inc.
4880 McWillie Circle
Jackson, MS 39206
T: 601-362-1541; F: 601-362-1613
How and Where to Get More Information:
Head Start Bureau Home Page: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/hsb
Bibliography
Davenport, Dan. Why We Need Fathers, Better Homes and Gardens, June 1996 Vol. 74 (6): 46(4)
Herb, Steven and Sara Willoughby-Herb. A Focus on Fathers: The Role of Males in Children's Literacy Development. Knowledge Quest, May/June 1998 Vol.26 (4): 44-49
Horn, Wade F. You've Come a Long Way, Daddy: After Being Pilloried and Left for Dead, The Fatherhood Ideal is Making a Comeback. Policy Report July/August 1997 pp24-30
Lue, Martha S. et al. African-American Fathers with Their Preschool Children. Educational Forum, Summer 1998 Vol. 62(4): 300-05
Mackey, Wade C. Father Presence: An Enhancement of a Child's Well-Being. The Journal of Men's Studies, Winter 1998 Vol. 6(2): 227(17)
McBride, Brent A. and Thomas R. Rane. Father/Male Involvement in Early Childhood Programs: Issues and Challenges. Early Childhood Education Journal, Fall 1997 Vol. 25(1): 11-15
Seibold, Douglas, Reinventing Fatherhood. Our Children, Sept/Oct 1995 Vol. 1(1): 6-9
Whalley, Margy. Getting Fathers Involved. Basic Skills, March-April 1998: 25-2
Additional Articles
Coley, Rebekah Levine. Children's Socialization Experiences and Functioning in Single-Mother Households: The Importance of Fathers and Other Men, Child Development, Vol. 69(1): 219-230.
Engle, Patrice and Cynthia Breaux. Fathers' Involvement with Children: Perspectives from Developing Countries, Social Policy Report, Vol. XII, No.1, 1998.
Roopnarine, J.L. and M. Ahmedussaman. Puerto Rican Fathers' Involvement with their Preschool-Age Children. Hispanic Journal of Social Science, Vol.15(1):96-107, 1993.
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Community Services
370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 5th Floor West
Washington DC 20447
Website:
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ocs
Phone Number: (202) 401-9343
Family Violence Prevention and Services (FVPS)
The purpose of FVPS is to assist States, Indian Tribes, and other public agencies in their efforts to increase public awareness about family violence and to provide immediate shelter and related assistance for victims of family violence and their dependents. Under this legislation, States, other public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations may also receive funding to provide technical assistance and training programs on family violence to law enforcement, legal, social services, and health care professionals.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The FVPSP State and Tribal grants are the primary Federal mechanism for encouraging State, Tribal, and local support of emergency shelters and other treatment and intervention services for victims of family violence. The FVPSA sets forth certain requirements regarding the distribution of funds to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations. Each entity receiving FVPSP funding must allot a specified amount for the provision of immediate shelter and related assistance to victims of family violence and their dependents. Related services in shelter programs include individual and group counseling, legal assistance, court and social service advocacy, emergency transportation, emergency food and clothing, and prevention activities. Grantees are required to expend a minimum of 70 percent of grant funds for shelter and related assistance. The majority of the grantees expend 90 to 95 percent on shelter and related assistance given the limited resources for shelter services. Some grantees support Batterer Intervention programs but at minimal levels.
Program Target Population: Abused women and dependents
Type of Program Funding: Federal to State X ; Federal to Local Government Authority X (Direct Funding)
Funded Entities: States X ; Local Government X ; Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs) X
How an Organization or Father would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Organizations would apply on a competitive basis to States. A father would only access FVPS resources if he happened to be a participant in batterer intervention activities.
Additional Information:
Family Violence Prevention and Services State Contact List can be found at Appendix B
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Community Services
370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 5th Floor West
Washington DC 20447
Website:
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ocs
Phone:(202) 401-9333
Urban and Rural Community Economic Development (CED)
The purpose of the Urban and Rural Community Economic Development Program is to support projects which provide employment and ownership opportunities for low-income individuals through employment skills development and business and commercial development. The Office of Community Services (OCS) which administers the program is particularly interested in receiving applications that propose a realistic plan for development of new and innovative businesses that offer genuine career and entrepreneurship opportunities to low-income non-custodial parents. The emphasis of projects sanctioned by this program must be on job creation, self-help and mobilization of the community-at-large. The Office of Community Services is particularly interested in receiving applications that stress public-private partnerships that are directed toward the development of economic self-sufficiency through a focus on economic expansion.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
To be eligible for funding under this program, applicants must be private, non-profit locally initiated community development corporations (CDCs), governed by a board consisting of low-income individuals and business and civic leaders who have as a principal purpose permanent job creation for low-income individuals. In addition, OCS encourages collaborations and the formation of partnerships between neighborhood organizations/community groups and CDCs for the purpose of job creation. By creating jobs and business opportunities, an avenue is provided to support responsible fatherhood. With funding from this program, partnerships are formed with business entities; TANF recipients are connected to private sector jobs; and post-employment interventions are created. All of these aspects have proven to be beneficial to supporting responsible fatherhood efforts.
Program Target Population: The ultimate beneficiaries of this program are low income individuals, including fathers.
Type of Program Funding: Discretionary (competitive) Federal grants.
Funded Entities: Private, non-profit locally initiated community development corporations.
How an Organization would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
This funding is not solely for a fatherhood initiative; rather is for the purpose of job creation and business development/expansion. However, the funds could be used for the purpose of creating jobs for low-income individuals, whether fathers or mothers. The community development corporations (CDC) would apply on a competitive basis to OCS. Organizations interested in partnering with the CDC would contact the CDC directly. An interested non-profit CDC would make application to OCS for funding (on a competitive basis).
Special emphasis was given in the program announcement for the CED program for FY 2000 and 2001; this initiative addressed genuine career and entrepreneurship opportunities to low-income non-custodial parents.
Health Care Financing Administration
Websites: www.hcfa.gov
and www.insurekidsnow.gov
Phone: (410) 786-3000
Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP)
The Medicaid program is a jointly funded cooperative venture between the Federal and State governments to provide funding for adequate medical care to eligible needy persons. Medicaid is the largest health insurance provider in the nation and serves as the safety net for America's most vulnerable citizens.
The State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) was created in 1997 to expand health care coverage to uninsured children. S-CHIP enables States to insure children from working families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private health insurance through separate state programs, Medicaid expansions, or a combination of both.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
HCFA planned and implemented focus group sessions with fathers of Medicaid beneficiaries. In these focus groups, HCFA attempted to determine:
HCFA learned that there were no easy answers or quick fixes for involving fathers in children's health care issues, especially since many of the beneficiaries maintain single parent households. However, HCFA has learned through the focus groups and other outreach studies it has performed that there are best practices by States and community-based organizations that can provide beneficiaries, including fathers, with information about HCFA's programs. It is HCFA's goal to identify and provide the uninsured, including fathers, with health insurance and access to quality health care to the maximum extent possible under current law. To that end, HCFA continues to assist States to provide information and assist families to apply and enroll in HCFA programs.
Program Target Population: Low Income X ; Unemployed/Underemployed X ; Youth X ;
Special Populations X
Type of Program Funding: Demonstration/Research X ; Federal to State X ; Direct Federal X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
In order to access HCFA funding, organizations would have to coordinate outreach projects through their State Medicaid/SCHIP agencies.
How a Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
If a child appears to qualify for either the Medicaid or S-CHIP Program (see #2 above), the father/mother should call their local Medicaid Office or call 1-800-877-543-7669 for information on S-CHIP. For families formerly receiving welfare, fathers may be eligible to receive health insurance coverage under Medicaid in certain situations.
Health Resources and Services Administration
Bureau of Maternal and Child Health
Healthy Start Initiative
Healthy Start is a community-based infant mortality reduction program designed to address the causes of infant mortality and the causes of low birth weight, especially among high-risk populations. The Initiative started as a demonstration in 1991 and currently funds 94 projects around the country using strategies developed during the demonstration period of the Initiative (1991 to1997).
Many Healthy Start projects have incorporated fatherhood components into their projects. Some projects have developed models that include counseling, health care, support groups, education, job finding, etc. For example, the Baltimore Healthy Start project funds a very comprehensive men's support program that includes counseling, GED preparation, job training and placement, health care and other services for the male partners of women enrolled in the program. For additional information, contact Barbara Squires at (410) 396-9994.
Similarly, the Savannah Healthy Start project funds a men's health program that provides physicals, male health counseling, and other health related serves to the male partners of women enrolled in the program. For additional information, contact Latricia Foreman-Chatham at (912)651-6630.
Healthy Start is designed to serve pregnant women. The program provides ongoing operational funds to the existing grantees. Funds flow from the Health Resources and Services Administration to State and local government health departments, and to local non-profit organizations. These projects end in June of 2001.
Programs developed for males under this initiative have received only modest funding because the focus of the initiative is on pregnant women.
For Information or Materials on the Healthy Start Program contact:
Healthy Start Resource Center
Georgetown University
2000 15th Street, North
Suite 701
Arlington, VA 22201
800-311-baby
www.healthystart.net., or call (800-311-baby).
Office of the Secretary
Office of Public Health and Science
Office of Minority Health
Website Address: www.fcvp.org
Phone: 1-888-496-2667
Family and Community Violence Prevention Program (Family Life Centers)
The Family and Community Violence Prevention Program (FCVP) was developed under a cooperative agreement between the Office of Minority Health and Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. The purpose of the FCVP program is to impact the increasing incidence of violence and abusive behavior in low income at-risk communities through the establishment of Family Life Centers (FLC) and the mobilization of community partners to address these issues. Each of the FLC's is engaged in violence prevention activities which address the academic, personal, cultural, and career development of youth who are at risk for involvement in violent and other abusive behavior. The Centers also conduct activities to improve family bonding, parenting skills and social interaction skills.
The Family Life Centers offer an excellent opportunity for the interface of fatherhood activities sponsored by both the public and private sector. The FLC's are designed to empower at-risk youth, college students, and community stakeholders to reduce the incidence of violence and abusive behavior and to address the strengthening of individual/family dynamics and parenting skills.
Program Target Population: No Restrictions X
Type of Program Funding: Ongoing/Operational X ; Demonstration/Research X
Funded Entities: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Central State University is funded through the cooperative agreement mechanism and has the ability to provide grant funds through a competitive process to other eligible institutions. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions apply for funding to establish FLC's on their campuses.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
FLC's are administered by Central State University under a cooperative agreement with the Office of Minority Health (OMH). Each institution funded under the FCVP has developed formalized partnerships with appropriate community groups (e.g., churches, social service agencies, judicial systems, police departments, etc.) and has established a FLC within a 10-mile radius of the target group and community in which the institution is located. Participating institutions have developed collaborative agreements with community organizations to assist in recruiting youth and their families and in delivering the services and activities designed to reduce the risk of violence.
Other Important Facts:
In Fiscal Year 1994, through a cooperative agreement with Central State University, OMH supported 16 HBCUs as a series of HBCU models to prevent minority male violence. Three more schools were added in Fiscal Year 1995. In Fiscal Year 1997, OMH renewed the Central State University cooperative agreement as the Family and Community Violence Prevention Program for an additional five years. Under this $6,400,000 cooperative agreement, a total of 25 minority institutions are supported at a level of approximately $200,000 each.
Example of a Successful Fatherhood Project:
The Morgan State University Family Life Center program works with many juvenile justice and social service organizations in the Baltimore, Maryland area. The program uses an adaptation of the Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP), which was instituted by inmates at the Maryland House of Corrections in Jessup, Maryland. The program was established at a neighborhood high school in Baltimore with one of the highest rates of student conflicts in the city. Due to the success of the program, it has been integrated as a permanent component of the school's curriculum. The program addresses violence, self-awareness, self-image, anger, transforming power, communication, fear, forgiveness, relationships, peer pressure, conflict resolution, goal setting, substance abuse, and culture. Contact: Raymond Greene-Joyner, Phone (410) 319-3004, Fax (410) 319-3718
Supplementary Information
National Program Contacts:
Nathan Stinson, Jr., Ph.D., M.D., M.P.H.,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health;
Office Phone: (301) 443-5084;
Fax: (301) 594-0767.
Cooperative Agreement Contact: Laxley Rodney, FCVP, Principal Investigator;
Office Phone: (937) 376-6685; Fax: (937) 228-9873.
For Publications: See website home page at Site Map/Information/links.
For networking information: See website home page at Site Map/links.
For technical assistance: See website home page at FCVP Evaluators.
Office of the Secretary
Office of Public Health and Science
Office of Population Affairs/Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs
Website:
www.hhs.gov/progorg/opa
Phone:(301) 594-4004
Fax:(301) 594-5981
Adolescent Family Life Program (AFL)
The Adolescent Family Life (AFL) program, administered by the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs (OAPP) was enacted in 1981as Title XX of the Public Health Service Act. It provides funding for care services, prevention services, joint prevention and care services, and research projects.
Care demonstration projects serve pregnant adolescents, adolescent parents, their infants, male partners, and their families. They are required to provide comprehensive health, education, and social services, either directly or through partnerships with other community agencies, and to evaluate new approaches for implementation of these services. AFL care projects are based within a variety of settings such as universities, hospitals, schools, public health departments or community agencies. Many provide home visiting services, responsible parenting classes, employment and training activities, and all have partnerships with diverse community agencies to sustain a mother's, as well as a father's, effort to care for their family.
Prevention demonstration projects and abstinence education prevention projects serve pre-adolescents, adolescents and their families. The major focus of AFL prevention projects is, by statute, to develop and test abstinence-based programs designed to delay the onset of sexual activity, and thus, reduce the incidence of premature parenthood, STD transmission, and HIV/AIDS. These projects also focus on risk behaviors and address such issues as drugs, alcohol, tobacco and violence. Projects are either school or community based and most provide basic sexuality education, as well as training in life, social, and negotiation skills in various combinations.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The Adolescent Family Life (AFL) program can be used to support responsible fatherhood in a variety of ways. The AFL program attempts to prevent premature fatherhood by encouraging demonstration and research projects that concern causes and consequences of adolescent premarital sex and pregnancy. AFL also supports evaluations that strive to find effective services that alleviate, eliminate or resolve any negative consequences of adolescent premarital sex and childbearing for the parents, child and family. AFL programs also discourage premature fatherhood by providing educational services relating to family life, including education on the responsibilities of sexuality and parenting, assisting parents, schools, youth agencies, and health providers to educate adolescents and preadolescents concerning self-discipline and responsibility in human sexuality. AFL prevention programs teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage, and that mutually faithful monogamous relationships in the context of marriage is the expected standard of human sexual activity. These projects, as well as AFL prevention projects under Title XX legislation, promote marriage and team parenting. They must also involve the parents of youth participants, and encourage responsible fatherhood by developing material to support the role of parents as the providers of sex education.
AFL care programs provide employment and training activities for young fathers, including work readiness. They enhance parenting skills and parent-child relationships by encouraging programs to provide teen parents with the appropriate educational and vocational services. They provide child care services to enable the adolescent parent to continue his or her education, or to enter into employment. The statute also encourages programs to provide mental health services and referrals to other physical health services for both the adolescent parents and their children. All care services such as primary preventive and health services, nutrition information and counseling, screening and treatment of STDs, and pediatric care are required to be provided directly or by referrals.
Program Target Population:
Youth X ; At Risk X ; Low-income X ; Unemployed/Underemployed X
Type of Program Funding: Demonstration/ Research X Direct Federal X
Funded Entities: Non-Governmental Organizations X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Any public or private nonprofit organization or agency is eligible to apply for a grant. When funds are available for new demonstration projects, the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs publishes a Request for Federal Applications (RFA) in the Federal Register. Grants are awarded only to those organizations or agencies that are determined to demonstrate their capability of providing the proposed services, and meet the statutory requirements. All applications are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary panel of independent reviewers and assessed according to a set of criteria stipulated by the Title XX legislation.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
AFL funds are provided directly to the organization; therefore, the father would need to contact the appropriate entity to access services/resources under this program. The Office of Adolescent Pregnancy programs establish innovative, comprehensive, and integrated approaches to the delivery of care services for both pregnant adolescents and adolescent parents under 19 years of age. This includes all young fathers and their families. The AFL prevention programs should encourage parental involvement and facilitate parents being the primary educators of sex education with their children. A teen father and/or a father of a youth participant(s) could locate an AFL project in his community and call the program to request services. He could also contact the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs, whose staff would help the father access the AFL program closest to his home or work.
Other Important Facts:
The funding cycle for all AFL demonstration grants is three to five years. Grants range from $50,000 to $350,000 on average and are located in various communities throughout the nation.
For More Information Contact:
Office of Population Affairs Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 30686
Bethesda, MD 20824-0686
Office of Public Health and Science
Office of Population Affairs/Office of Family Planning
Website:
www.hhs.gov/progorg/opa
Phone: 301-594-4008
Fax: 301-594-5980
The Family Planning Program, Title X of the Public Health Service Act
The Title X program is the only Federal program solely dedicated to comprehensive family planning and reproductive health with a mandate to provide a broad range of acceptable and effective family planning methods and services. Services provided under reproductive health include: contraceptive services and supplies, basic gynecologic care, cancer and general medical screening, STD and HIV education, counseling, screening and referral. The program supports a nationwide network of more than 4,600 clinics and provides reproductive services to approximately 4.4 million women and men each year.
Title X provides Federal funds for service delivery grants to public and private organizations to support the provision of comprehensive family planning services and information. Services are delivered through a network of community-based clinics that include State and local health departments, hospitals, university health centers, planned parenthood affiliated, independent clinics and public and non-profit agencies.
The sexuality and contraceptive counseling and services available in all Title X funded clinic settings promote responsible sexual behaviors. Title X services also assist individuals in avoiding sexually transmissible infections and their complications. Services are provided at no cost to persons at or below poverty level, and on a sliding fee scale up to 250 percent of the poverty level. Services are voluntary and provided on a confidential basis. Continuing education and training is provided to all levels of Title X providers through a national network of training grantees. In addition, the program maintains a clearinghouse for information and education materials on family planning and reproductive health, and supports a research program which focuses on family planning service delivery improvements.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The program can be used to support responsible fatherhood in a variety of ways. Title X of the Public Health Service Act, enacted by Public Law 91-572, authorizes programs related to family planning. In addition to clinical services supported under Section 1001, Section 1004 of the Act, as amended, authorize the Secretary to make grants to entities to conduct research in behavioral and program implementation fields related to family planning.
While research shows that young men recognize unintended pregnancies, STDs, and HIV/AIDS as serious problems, and acknowledge that prevention is a joint responsibility, experience has shown that drawing them into family planning/reproductive health information and service programs requires approaches that focus on their needs. The OFP projects are intended to integrate family planning service and education into programs where young males are already receiving other health, education, and social services. Several steps have been taken and are planned to be taken to more fully involve males in reproductive health. In 1997, the OFP began an initiative to involve community-based health and social service organizations in developing, implementing and testing approaches for the delivery of family planning/reproductive health education and services to men. In FY 1999, a total of $4.7 million was awarded to 24 community-based organizations for these projects.
Through the ten HHS Regional Offices, approximately 30 small grants have been awarded to Title X family planning clinics for employing male high school students as interns. This program is designed to provide participants with information about allied health professions and job-skill training, as well as education about family planning, reproductive health, and responsible sexual behavior.
In FY 2000, OFP established the Title X Training Center for Male Reproductive Health at Morehouse Research Institute (part of Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA). This Training Center provides science-based information and training to Title X projects that provide family planning/reproductive health information and services to males.
Program Target Population: Youth X ; At Risk X ; Low-income X ; Unemployed/Underemployed X
Type of Program Funding:
Ongoing/operational X ; Start-Up/Capacity Building X ;
Demonstration/Research X
Direct Federal X ; Federal to State X
Funded Entities: State X ; Local Government X ; Non-Government Organizations X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program.
Any public or private nonprofit organization or agency is eligible to apply for a grant. Grants are awarded only to those organizations or agencies that demonstrate the capability of providing the proposed services and meet the statutory requirements. All applications are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary panel of independent reviewers, and assessed according to a set of criteria stipulated by the Title X legislation.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
OFP funds are provided directly to local organizations. Organizations contracting with existing grantees, and individuals seeking services should contact any Title X provider (Family Planning Grantees, Delegates, and Clinics listed in the Directory provided by the OPA Clearinghouse (see below).
Other Important Facts:
The funding period for all OFP grants is one to five years. Grants vary in size with the average grant exceeding $2 million per year. Each grantee has multiple contractors with varying dollar amounts. The grantees are located in various communities throughout the nation.
For More Information Contact :
Office of Population Affairs Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 30686
Bethesda, MD 20824-0686
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Center For Mental Health Services
Child, Adolescent and Family Branch
Website Address: www.SAMSHA.gov
Phone: 1-800-789-2647 (Knowledge Exchange Network)
The Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services For Children and Their Families Program (Child Mental Health Initiative)
The purpose of the program is to serve children and youth who have an identified serious emotional disturbance in the context of their home, community and school. A critical part of the service provision is to be able to support the whole family. Services and supports to parents that, in the end, will enhance the mental health of children and youth are critical.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Family counseling and respite care are among the services provided to families that have children with an identified serious emotional disturbance. Having a child with a disability puts added strain on a marriage and family life. Assuring that the necessary supports are available to the family can reduce the stress related to having a family member with a disability. The Child Mental Health Initiative tries to serve both the child and the family and bring community resources to bear on the family situation. The family is seen as part of the solution to a child's mental health disorder rather than having the parents seen as part of the problem.
Program Target Population: Youth X ; Low-income X ; Incarcerated X ; Other (specify) X (Any child with a serious emotional disturbance and their family)
Type of Program Funding:
Start-up/Capacity Building X
Federal to State X ; Federal to Local Government/Authority X (Also to federally recognized Indian tribes)
Funded Entities: States X ; Local Government X ; Special Authorities X (Native American tribes)
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
An organization would be a sub-contractor to the governmental entity that receives the 5-year grant. Private organizations work directly with the children and families through the contracting mechanism. Only a few government entities actually provide services directly. About ten percent of the youth referrals to the program are made directly by parents. All grant communities have referral processes in place to handle direct referrals from parents..
Other Important Facts:
There is a financial match requirement for eligible applicants to the grant program. During the first three years, for every three Federal dollars, one State or local dollar is necessary for match; in year four, it is one for one; in year five, the match becomes two community dollars for every one Federal dollar.
For More Information Contact:
Child, Adolescent and Family Branch
CMHS/SAMHSA
(301) 443-1333
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
Website:
www.SAMHSA.gov
Cooperative Agreements for Initiatives on Welfare Reform and Substance Abuse Prevention for Parenting Adolescents (Short Title: Parenting Adolescents)
The overarching Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) goal is the elimination of substance use and abuse among youth at high risk of use, and the problems associated with such use that interfere with the achievement, maintenance, and restoration of optimal health and well-being. The objectives of the program include:
This three-to-five year effort will generate knowledge on the effects of welfare reform on parenting teens, and will measure the effects of preventive interventions to determine which ones are most effective for this population. Individual projects will collect data on outcomes such as: alcohol, tobacco, and drug use; secondary school drop-out rates/school leaving rate; educational and vocational attainment/goal orientation; life skills, including parenting skills and vocational skills; inadequate or non-existent support systems; repeat pregnancy rates; and appropriate utilization of health care, especially preventive care, for both teen parents and their children.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The projects work with parenting adolescents in an attempt to improve their current and future health and prospects, including reducing repeat pregnancies. While the majority of clients are mothers, most projects do attempt to work with the teen partners, families, and significant others. Due to limited funding, many of the projects were not able to focus much attention on the fathers. Projects could either design specific intervention activities for fathers or incorporate their participation into activities in which the mothers already participate. These projects feel that not only is it important to work with fathers, but it can significantly strengthen the interventions for the mothers if their male partners are involved.
Program Target Population: Youth X ; At Risk X ; Low-income X ; Unemployed/Underemployed X ; Other (specify) X (Parenting and/or Pregnant Teens - mostly TANF eligible - with household income 200% of Federal poverty level)
Type of Program Funding:
Demonstration/Research X
Direct Federal X
Funded Entities: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X (Note: Some are Universities.)
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Under current funding constraints, no more projects are anticipated to be funded under this program. Should additional funding be made available to fund new projects, a community organization would apply to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in response to a request for proposals.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
An organization or father would contact a currently-funded grantee organization to get information about their fatherhood services, and determine whether the grantee was able to provide services to them. An individual father would have to meet the eligibility requirements of the grant program. (See the list of sites available from the Clearinghouse (below) for contact information.)
Other Important Facts:
The target population includes parenting teens who are at risk for substance abuse and are currently enrolled in TANF (either as emancipated minors or through their parent's enrollment); or eligible for TANF (i.e., meeting the applicable State or local eligibility criteria) who may or may not be currently enrolled. If the local grantee chooses to include teen parents who are eligible but not currently enrolled, the grantee must track the TANF enrollment status of participants on an ongoing basis.
For Additional Information Contact:
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
P.O. Box 2345
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: 800-729-6686
Examples of Successful, Innovative, or Promising Fatherhood Initiatives or Projects Using Program Resources:
South Carolina: The Pathways intervention model incorporates two elements that promote responsible fatherhood:
1. Family group decision making is a process in which the teen's immediate and extended family, and the father of her child and his family, come together to develop a plan to support the teen's social and educational goals. To the extent that the father of the child is involved, the plan may involve him and/or his family in child care, financial support, transportation, and other support activities.
2. Microenterprise education, training, and support provides structured education and training in developing and managing a small business, combined with experiential learning opportunities and access to on-going business management consultation and technical assistance. This component of Pathways will be available to teens, members of their families, and the father of the teen's child. Those completing the program will be able to submit a business plan to a loan committee and, if successful, will be able to borrow up to $1,500 for business start-up. This provision could help fathers of the teens' children assume a greater financial role in their children's lives.
Contact: Jim McDonell, D.S.W.,PI, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
Rio Grande: The Parenting Adolescents Comprehensive Services Program actively engages the participation of adolescent fathers. Data collected from this program show that 50 percent of the fathers do participate in the program itself, and nearly 70 percent of the fathers have at least weekly contact with their child — as reported in 6- and 12-month follow-ups.
Contact: Eduardo Olivarez, PI, Rio Grande Valley Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Edinburg, Texas
Colorado: This project revolves around the family system and providing incentives for fathers. Approximately one-half to one-quarter of participating families have the male partners involved. They are receiving the 20 hours of "Dare To Be You" classes with the moms. Although the partners are not necessarily targeted for direct services with the case managers, they are receiving help as indicated with school, work, TANF applications, referrals, etc.
Contact: Jan Miller-Heyl, M.S., PI, Colorado State University, Larimer County, Sponsored Programs, Fort Collins, Colorado
Atlanta: Fathers are not included as part of the Parenting Adolescents project in terms of the after school classes. However, case management services are provided to fathers to the extent that they are involved in the lives of the teen mothers. These services have included individual counseling and referrals for healthcare, job training, housing and general social services.
Under a State grant, an effort entitled the "Leadership Initiative and Fatherhood Training Project" offers teen fathers classes in job, life, and parenting skills in addition to case management services. A few of the young men in this program fathered children with the young women in the Parenting Adolescents project.
Contact: Archie Harris, M.Ed., PI, Rehabilitation - Exposure, Inc., East Point, Georgia
Oregon: Insights works with young men and couples who are pregnant and parenting, and on the prevention of subsequent pregnancies. Dads participate in most of the school and parenting education groups. In addition, John Lass, the Clinical Supervisor at Insights, is a member of the Male Involvement Task Force on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention being led through the Oregon State Health Division.
Contact: Diane Cohen-Alpert, M.F.A, PI, Insights Teen Parent Program, Portland, Oregon
How and Where to Get More Information:
Contact CSAP staff for additional information, or the:
National Coordinating Center
Shari Golan, Ph.D., Study Leader
EMT Associates, Inc., Folsom, CA
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
Website Address -
www.SAMHSA.gov
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant and Community Mental Health Services Block Grant
The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant is the cornerstone of the States' substance-related programs, accounting for approximately 40% of public funds expended for substance abuse prevention activities and treatment services. This grant program — under which funds are disbursed to the States, Territories, and the District of Columbia based on a congressionally mandated formula — is administered by SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) and Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). While the program enables States to provide substance abuse treatment and prevention services through a variety of means, the law places special emphasis on the provision of services to injecting drug users, and to substance abusing women who are pregnant or with dependent children.
The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant is administered by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and supports comprehensive, community-based care for adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disorders. The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program has become the cornerstone of the Federal partnership with States to plan and deliver state-of-the art community-based mental health services for adults and children with mental disorders.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Substance Abuse Block Grant - States and territories design their service delivery systems to address specific local substance abuse problems. If substance abuse programs with fatherhood activities were targeted by the State, they would then become part of the State plan.
Community Mental Health Services Block Grant - SAMHSA awards grants to States and Territories based on a legislated formula. It serves as a catalyst for activities by States to make services available to the most vulnerable populations with mental illnesses. If mental health programs with fatherhood activities were targeted by the State, they would then become part of the State plan.
Program Target Population: No Restrictions X
Type of Program Funding: Federal to State X
Funded Entities: States X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
An organization would contact the State or county to find out if funding is available.
Other Important Facts:
Substance Abuse Block Grant - Annual funds awarded to the States and territories are required to be obligated and spent according to a specified protocol: at least 35 percent for alcohol prevention activities and treatment services; at least 35 percent for prevention activities and treatment services for other drug use/abuse; at least 20 percent for primary prevention services; and for States so designated, between two and five percent to establish HIV Early Intervention Service Projects under the aegis of specific substance abuse programs. FY 2000 funds awarded to the States, $1,600,000,000.
Community Mental Health Services Block Grant - The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant is awarded to States and Territories based on a legislated formula. A mandatory five percent funding set-aside supports technical assistance, data collection, and evaluation to assist States in the development of the comprehensive community-based systems of care. FY 2000 funds awarded to the States, $356,000,000.
For Additional Information Contact:
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information,
P.O. Box 2345
Rockville, MD 20852
(1-800-729-6686)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA)
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
Website: www.SAMHSA.gov
Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity In Targeted Areas of Need (Targeted Capacity Expansion or TCE)
This discretionary grant program is the largest in funding and in number of grants of CSAT's Knowledge Development and Application portfolio. This program solicits applications to expand substance abuse treatment capacity in targeted areas for a targeted response to treatment capacity problems and/or emerging drug trends. The program is designed to address gaps in treatment capacity by supporting rapid and strategic responses to demands for treatment services in communities with serious, emerging drug problems as well as communities with innovative solutions to unmet needs. This program supports treatment services for a wide range of populations including Intravenous Drug Users, dually diagnosed, criminal justice and juvenile justice populations, and several populations of women including women and their children, pregnant or postpartum women, and women in transition from welfare to work.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Local units of government and Indian Tribes, as applicants, may design their substance abuse treatment regimens to include responsible fatherhood as an integral component of a comprehensive continuum of care for women and their families. The large number of projects that focus on women and family-based interventions invites the incorporation of responsible fatherhood services (training, education, individual and group counseling, violence reduction interventions, and family rearing education) into the array of services to be provided as part of the comprehensive treatment approach in treating the whole family and not just the patient. Successful models at the local community level are often made a part of the Statewide treatment plan of the State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Agency.
Program Target Population: No Restrictions X
Type of Program Funding:
Ongoing/Operational X ; Start-up/Capacity Building X ; Demonstration/Research X
Federal to Local Government/Authority X
Funded Entities: Local Government X ; Special Authorities X (Special Authorities would be Indian Tribes and Indian Organizations. All grants must be funded through the units of government or tribes/tribal organizations, in partnership with organizations)
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
An organization would need to access the SAMHSA website or the National Clearinghouse on Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI), both given below, to find grant opportunities and then, in conjunction with the local unit of government/tribe, develop an application. Under TCE, organizations would negotiate with the local unit of government or tribe/tribal organization as part of the grant partnership between the governmental unit/tribe and the organization.
Other Important Facts:
Funding range for TCE grants is usually $100,000 to $500,000. Treatment providers must have at least two years experience in providing substance abuse treatment to clients, and must meet all required State licensing conditions. No funds can be provided for incarcerated populations.
For Additional Information Contact:
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI),
P.O. Box 2345,
Rockville, MD 20852,
(1-800-729-6686)
Office of Public and Assisted Housing Delivery
Community Safety and Conservation Division
Website:
www.hud.gov/ph/de/cscd/html
The Public Housing Drug Elimination Program
PHDEP formula grants are awarded by public housing agencies (PHAs) to turn the tide against drugs and drug-related crime in communities, and to build relationships with other community organizations. PHDEP funds may be used for activities such as: employment of security personnel and investigators; reimbursement of local law enforcement for services above baseline; voluntary tenant patrol training and equipment; physical improvements to enhance security; drug prevention activities; drug intervention activities; drug treatment and structured aftercare; and opportunities for resident employment as security guards or police officers.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
PHDEP funds can be used to support responsible fatherhood by providing drug intervention and treatment activities, as well as prevention activities such as education and job training that could lead to employment and higher family income.
Program Target Population: public housing residents, both youth and adults.
Type of Program Funding:
a. Ongoing/Operational X
b. Federal to Local Government/Authority X
Funded Entities: Special Authorities X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
An organization is an eligible subrecipient to a PHDEP grantee.
Other Important Information: Unless fathers reside with their children in public housing, they would not be eligible for services by PHDEP. PHDEP funding is allocated by formula to PHAs on an annual basis, with optional four-year renewals. In FY 1999, HUD awarded hundreds of PHDEP grants totaling $241.5 million, with the largest grant worth $35 million.
Supplementary Information: Drug Information & Strategy Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 8577
Silver Spring, MD 20907
1-800-955-2232
E-mail:: disc@jbs1.com
Publications available from HUD USER Clearinghouse (800-245-2691):
In the Crossfire: The Impact of Gun Violence on Public Housing Communities
How to Conduct Crime Victimization Surveys: A Workbook
A Guide to Evaluating Crime Control Programs in Public Housing
Creating Defensible Space
A Guidebook for Measuring Crime in Public Housing with Geographic Information Systems
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Website Address:
www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org
Title II, Part B of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Program Prevention (JJDP) Act of 1974: Federal Assistance for State and Local Programs
Title II - Formula Grants to the States
All States are eligible to apply for Formula Grants funding. Funds are allocated annually among the States on the basis of relative population of young people under age eighteen. To receive a full allocation, a State must demonstrate compliance with four core requirements prescribed by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended (JJDP Act). The core requirements are: deinstitutionalization of status offenders and nonoffenders; separation of juveniles and adults in secure custody; removal of juveniles from adult jails and lockups; and reduction of disproportionate minority confinement, where such exists. The State's allocation must be reduced by 25% for each of the core requirements with which the State fails to comply.
States are required by statute to pass through at least 66 2/3 percent of the JJDP funds (other than funds made available to State Advisory Groups) to units of general local government, local private agencies, and Indian tribes that perform law enforcement functions.
The JJDP Act addresses the need for thorough and ongoing evaluation, technical assistance, training, research, and national standards. In addition, the JJDP Act supports the development of programs for school based delinquency prevention, runaway and homeless youth, strengthening the family, removal of juveniles from adult jails and lockups, improvement of juvenile justice and prevention of youth from ever entering the justice system.
In response to these Congressionally identified needs and since 1992 (the most recent JJDP Act amendment) the implementation of the JJDP Act continues to focus upon the development and implementation of effective methods of preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency. Such methods and priorities include:
Title II, Part B: Federal Assistance for State and Local Programs
Title II, Part B of the JJDP Act authorizes the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to make grants to States and territories to assist them in planning, establishing, operating and evaluating juvenile delinquency prevention projects as well as improving juvenile justice systems. Known as OJJDP's Formula Grants Program, this program distributes funds based upon the number of juveniles under the age of eighteen in the States' general population. In FY 2000, the total amount available nationwide was $89,000,000.
Section 222(c) of the JJDP Act allows up to 10% of a State's Annual Formula Grant to be utilized for the development of the State Plan or for other pre-award activities associated with a State Plan, and to pay that portion of the expenditures which are necessary for efficient administration including the support of at least one full-time staff position (in most States known as the Juvenile Justice Specialist). Planning and administration expenditures must be matched dollar for dollar by the State.
The State Plan. A State's participation in the Formula Grants Program is voluntary. To be eligible for the program, a State or Territory submits a comprehensive plan for carrying out its purposes applicable to a 3-year period. The plan serves as the central point of reference for the States' juvenile delinquency prevention efforts. Such plans must incorporate many components, including:
Section 223(a)(3) of the JJDP Act provides guidance regarding the membership of the SAG. These fifteen to thirty-three members represent a variety of disciplines including government, law enforcement, the judiciary, public and private juvenile justice agencies, volunteers and youth. A majority of the membership, including the Chair, cannot be full-time governmental employees.
As noted above, to assure that most juvenile justice and delinquency prevention efforts are carried out at the local community level, Section 223(a)(5) of the JJDP Act requires that a minimum of 66 2/3 of the funds received by a State through the Formula Grants Program must be passed through to either units of general local government or combinations thereof or local private agencies. The plan which each State prepares describes the general program areas on which the SAG agrees to focus. In response to these program areas, the local agencies develop projects which target the youth identified as at-risk by the State Plan's crime analysis.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The JJDP Act continues to focus upon the development and implementation of effective methods of preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency. As discussed above, such methods and priorities include preserving and strengthening families. Fatherhood programs address this goal. While traditionally programs addressing family preservation issues often serve broader target populations than fathers, fatherhood efforts, and programs that have fatherhood components, could be supported under this grant if other guidelines outlined are above met.
Program Target Population:Youth X ; At Risk X ; Incarcerated X
Type of Program Funding: Federal to State X
Funded Entities: States X ; Local Government X ; Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
As described above, the JJDP Act requires that a minimum of 66 2/3 of the funds received by a State through the Formula Grants Program must be passed through to units of local governments or combinations thereof or local private agencies. Each State plan describes the general program areas on which the State Advisory Group agrees to focus. In response to these program areas, the local agencies develop projects which target the youth identified as at-risk by the State Plan's crime analysis.
Other Important Facts:
Title II, B resources for State and Local programs while not specifically targeted to fatherhood program initiatives, could appropriately support such programs if the State Advisory Group identifies program focus areas, such as preserving and strengthening families and/or juvenile justice and delinquency prevention and rehabilitation.
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Website Address:
www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org
Title II, Part G of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Program Prevention (JJDP) Act of 1974: Mentoring
The JJDP Act addresses the need for thorough and ongoing evaluation, technical assistance, training, research, and national standards. In addition, the JJDP Act supports the development of programs for school based delinquency prevention, runaway and homeless youth, strengthening the family, removal of juveniles from adult jails and lockups, improvement of juvenile justice and prevention of youth from ever entering the justice system.
In response to these Congressionally identified needs, and since 1992 (the most recent JJDP Act amendment), the implementation of the JJDP Act continues to focus upon the development and implementation of effective methods of preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency. Such methods and priorities include:
Title II, Part G: Mentoring
Title II, Part G of the JJDP Act, authorizes OJJDP's Administrator to make grants and enter into contracts with local educational agencies to establish and support mentoring programs which are designed to link at-risk youth with responsible adults. Goals of effective mentoring include promoting personal and social responsibility, increasing participation in elementary and secondary school, discouraging the use of illegal drugs, violence, dangerous weapons and involvement in gangs while encouraging participation in community service and community activities. The Act allows mentoring funding (which totaled $13,500,000 in FY 2000) to be utilized for coordinators, support staff, recruitment and screening of mentors, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses. However, Section 288 D(b) prohibits the direct compensation of mentors. Priority is given to applicants who have 60 percent or more of their youth eligible to receive funds under Chapter 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The JJDP Act continues to focus upon the development and implementation of effective methods of preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency, including preserving and strengthening families. Fatherhood programs not only can address this goal, but also can serve to provide mentors to fathers who, in addition to providing guidance on parenting issues, can also promote personal and social responsibility, increase participation in secondary school, discourage the use of illegal drugs, violence, dangerous weapons, involvement in gangs while encouraging participation in community service and activities, and other activities that would help prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency. While traditionally mentoring programs supported by this grant program often serve broader target populations than fathers, fatherhood efforts, and programs that have fatherhood components, could be supported under this grant if other guidelines outlined above are met.
Program Target Population: Youth X ; At Risk X ; Incarcerated X
Type of Program Funding: Federal to State X
Funded Entities: States X
Other Important Facts:
The Act allows mentoring funding to be utilized for coordinators, support staff, recruitment and screening of mentors, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses. However, Section 288 D(b) prohibits the direct compensation of mentors. Priority is given to applicants who have 60 percent or more of their youth eligible to receive funds under Chapter 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
ETA, Office of Job Corps
200 Constitution Ave. N.W.
Room N4507
Washington, D.C. 20210
Website: www.jobcorps.org
Phone: (202) 693-3106
Job Corps, Title I-C of the Workforce Investment Act
Job Corps is a national residential training and employment program administered by the Department of Labor to address the multiple barriers to employment faced by disadvantaged youth throughout the United States. Job Corps was originally established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964; authorization for the program is currently provided for under Title I-C of the Workforce Investment Act.
The purpose of Job Corps is to assist young people who can benefit from an intensive and comprehensive program, operated primarily in the residential setting of a Job Corps Center, to become more responsible, employable, and productive citizens. The program is targeted toward disadvantaged youth facing multiple barriers to employment. Job Corps provides a comprehensive array of services which address these multiple barriers in an integrated and coordinated manner.
The residential aspect enables Job Corps to provide a comprehensive array of services in one setting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Approximately 17 out of 20 students are residential; the remainder commute to the Center daily. Enrollment in Job Corps is voluntary, with students entering the program at different times and progressing at their own pace.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The Job Corps program can be used to support responsible fatherhood by addressing specific needs of male students in several program components: