Research, Service, and Policy Change Efforts to Support Low-Income Fathers' Health and Well-Being

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1 Research, Service, and Policy Change Efforts to Support Low-Income Fathers' Health and Well-Being LATRICE ROLLINS, PHD MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER PETRICE SAMS- ABIODUN, PHD LOYOLA UNIVERSITY- NEW ORLEANS LINDY BOGGS NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMMUNITY LITERACY ROBERT MAYFIELD AEGIS SYSTEMS, LLC

2 Demographic Profile According to a report from the Center for Law and Social Policy, in 2009, 80% of unpaid child support debt was owed by parents with less than $15,000 net income. Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study: 38 percent of fathers did not graduate from high school, 50 percent have been incarcerated, and 6 percent report drug/alcohol use that interferes with work/family responsibilities

3 Demographic Profile Dissertation study participants (2009) reported: Atlanta-31 percent of fathers did not have a high school diploma or GED, 91 percent had criminal records, 71 percent reported substance abuse issues, 23 percent reported mental health issues New Orleans- 80 percent had criminal backgrounds Baltimore-78 percent did not have a high school diploma or GED

4 Demographic Profile Over half of low-income fathers have no health insurance; less than one-third have private insurance and only one in seven have public insurance

5 Cycle of Exclusion Social Work Education Social Policy Social Research Social Work Practice

6 Methodology Critical qualitative research: Tool that serves dual purposes: knowledge development and promotion of change (Banks-Wallace, 2000) Theoretical framework: Womanist and postmodern theories Semi-structured interviews Data analysis: Constant comparative method Community-based participatory approach Research sites: Atlanta, Alexandria, Baltimore, Milwaukee, New Orleans, & Washington, D.C.

7 Meeting Them Social Spatial Findings-Negotiating Power

8 Meeting Them- Social Fathers will participate in services if it meets their needs Understanding the social, economic, cultural, historical contexts that impact clients lives Flexibility is one of the keys to effective practice

9 Meeting Them-Spatial Marsiglio, Roy & Fox (2005) developed a spatially sensitive perspective on fathering Responsible fatherhood programs are considered safe spaces for fathers The majority of the women in this study worked in community-based programs Street outreach Trusted locations

10 Community Action Strategies The BIG EASY, Ain t Easy for Poor Fathers A Case Study of the New Orleans Fatherhood Consortium (NOFC) Efforts for improving lives of low-income fathers.

11 New Orleans Fatherhood Consortium Goals Raise public awareness of fathering issues Share national and local best practices Connect fatherhood policy agenda Advocate for programs and policy that support the development of fathers while benefiting their children, family and community. Keep a pulse on the issues and voices of fathers, children and families through a participatory action research agenda.

12 Fathers, Family & Community Policy Briefs Series Brief 1 Fathers Matter! Brief 2 Economic Opportunity Brief 3 Child Support Brief 4 Earned Income Tax Credit Brief 5 Fathers, Family, and Community Well- Being Used to: Influence decision makers (Policy and funding) Develop quality programs and practices Raise public awareness Foster public will

13 Community Policy Briefs Series OUTCOMES Five new fatherhood programs Service delivery identification and coordination Fatherhood First legislation Fatherhood First council Greater investment in NOFC

14 RIGHTING AND WRITING OUR OWN DESTINY Released Two Reports on the State of Fathers Favorite Father s Celebration Honored over 400 men. Created Color Him Father Exhibit Resulted in the Mayor launching, The Network for Economic Opportunity.

15 DADS OF DISTINCTION Trained 15 men as parent advocates for children Fathers created and are implementing advocacy strategies and plans. Engaging Fathers in Schools, a policy brief for school teachers, educators, and administrators.

16 Questions/Discussion