Engaging and involving fathers and other paternal family members is a crucial component of family engagement. The following resources provide examples of how to engage fathers and paternal family members at the State and local levels.
Best Practice Guide for Engaging Fathers: A Toolkit for Children Services Staff (PDF - 2,161 KB)
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (2017)
Provides information to help child and family service agencies include fathers and paternal family members earlier and more effectively in each stage of the child welfare process, including screening and assessment, investigation, ongoing protective services, and more.
Dads Rock! Nurturing Father Engagement [Webinar]
National Child Abuse and Neglect Technical Assistance and Strategic Dissemination Center (2017)
Highlights the work of the Children's Trust of Massachusetts Fatherhood Initiative, including home visiting with fathers, father support groups, and professional men's family service providers' groups.
Father Engagement
Children's Bureau, Inc.
Describes a program in Indiana that identifies fathers and helps them reengage in their children's lives. Through the program, caseworkers provide mentorship to fathers who typically did not experience safety and stability during their own childhoods.
Father Engagement
Fairfax County (VA) Department of Family Services, Children, Youth and Families Division
Provides information on the benefits of father engagement, parenting classes for fathers, local events that focus on parenting or engagement, a fatherhood podcast and video series, and more.
Responsible Fathering
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Describes an initiative in Texas that provides men with support and services to help them become fully involved fathers. The webpage offers ways to engage fathers and then keep them involved, resources and tips for fathers, and a video.