Working with Dads: 7 Practical Steps to Engage Fathers in Your Family Services
- ISBN-10
- 1737992604
- ISBN-13
- 9781737992608
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2021-11
- Author
- Sharmain Harris
Description
Family service programs haven't been the most inclusive to fathers. Because of this, fathers have the perception that "they are not welcomed" at most family services. However, there has been a drastic increase in father involvement in recent years. Fathers are more engaged, more connected and more involved than ever before. Social services and society as a whole are now understanding how the impact fathers have on their children. Although father engagement is in its early phases, Family services are now working hard to support the whole family and not just part of it. This book gives those working in family services practical steps to engaging fathers in their service. The work may seem easy in theory but not in practice. Some family service professionals can be blinded by bias and not comfortable working with dads, especially those with adverse backgrounds.Author Sharmain Harris gives the reader practical steps and lessons to engage fathers who some consider "high risk". The lessons Sharmain shares were developed after years working at a local WIC (women, infants and children) and taking a fatherhood initiative to national recognition. Sharmain Harris changed the perception of the local WIC site from being seen as only serving "Women, Infants and Children" to an agency that serves the entire family. Working with Dads will give social workers and other professionals the confidence and strategies needed to engage all fathers.
