Lourdes Parents And Children Together PACT Program Dads Group

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Lourdes Parents And Children Together (PACT)
ProgramDads Group

• April 18, 2007
• Bill Perry
• Jim Trainor
• Peter Guarino

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History of Lourdes PACT Dads Group

• At the first group the Fatherhood Advocate (FA)
  did a lot of publicity and planning.
• One dad showed up.
• The FA took the advice of that dad for the next
  group and had a much better turn out.
• The FA has since always used the dads input to
  help with topics and ideas that will interest
  other dads.

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Promoting the Dads Group

• FAs utilize a mailing list to inform dads of the
  date and time of Dads groups.
• FAs construct monthly Dads group fliers.
• FAs are present at enrollment of a family and
  promote the Dads group.
• During home visits, the Dads group is promoted
  by FAs and Family Service Advocates (FSAs).
• Dads from other PACT Programs are encouraged to
  participate in the groups.
• FAs are creative when conducting outreach.

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Dads Group-Layout

• FAs wait outside for the arrival of the dads.
• Dads are encouraged to bring their kids to the
  group.
• FAs allow the dads and their children to select
  toys from the storage room.
• Group members congregate in the café and are
  encouraged to partake of pizza and refreshments
  provided.
• The dads are asked to sign-in.
• FAs engage in the Dads group topic.
• At the conclusion of the group
• The dads are asked to complete a basic survey of
  the group.
• The Fatherhood Advocates address any concerns of
  the dads, and wait for the dads to venture home.

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Confidentiality/Respect

• The dads are reminded that the information shared
  in the group needs to be kept confidential.
• What is said in group, stays in the group.
• The dads are encouraged to share as much
  information as they would like.
• The dads respect others views and contributions.
• Dads are able to come and go as they please.

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Topics For Dads Groups

• Dads and FAs collaborate to determine the Dads
  group topics.
• FAs use several supplemental resources to suggest
  different topics.
• Guest speakers have been invited to provide
  information for dads pertaining to several
  topics.
• Dads group topics can be replicated at the
  discretion of the dads.

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Sample Dads Group Topics

• Discipline
• Differing Communication Styles of Mom and Dad
• Home and Outdoor Safety
• Family Traditions, Customs, and Values
• Healthy Relationships
• The Importance of Fathers In Their Childs Lives
• Snacks Healthy Alternatives to Make with Your
  Children
• Healthy Winter Living

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FAs Presentation of Material

• FAs use different methods to lead the group.
• E.g. PowerPoint's used, handouts, surveys,
  activities, flying by the seat of our pants.
• FAs are flexible.
• FAs utilize multiple curricula.
• FAs connect the influences of fatherhood with the
  group topic.

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FAs Presentation of Material (contd)

• FAs use open-ended questions.
• FAs begin a group with an activity.
• FAs use humor to engage dads.
• FAs attempt to create a relaxed atmosphere.
• FAs pose to questions to encourage dads to look
  at issues from different perspectives.

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FAs Presentation of Material (contd)

• FAs focus on the interests of the dads. Use
  feedback sheets to determine what can be
  improved and what works.
• FAs ask dads what they would like to discuss
  during groups.
• FAs provide food and refreshments.

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Group Dynamics

• Presence of children in the group helps establish
  a relaxed tone.
• Setting of the café rather than conference room
  creates a more personable environment.
• FAs utilize Dads to influence discussion.
• FAs model respectful and open interaction.

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Kids

• The dads are encouraged to interact with their
  kids at the group.
• The dads have watched each others kids if one of
  them needed to step out.
• The dads are giving the moms a break for an
  evening.
• Dads frequently talk of their feelings with their
  children present showing the toddlers it is okay
  to express themselves openly.

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Dads Outings

• The outings are monthly, typically on a Saturday
  afternoon that the dads choose.
• The dads also choose the activity for the family
  outing.
• E.g. Ross Park Zoo, Discovery Center, Apple
  picking, etc.
• Dads are encouraged to bring their families.
• FAs stay with the dads until everyone has gone
  home.

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Benefits of the Dads Groups

• The group provides opportunities to socially
  network.
• The Dads see different styles of parenting and
  cultures.
• Dads are exposed to different parenting dynamics.
• E.g. Married couples, single-parent, dating
  parents, etc.
• Dads have an opportunity to interact with their
  children.
• Dads can share their feelings in a
  non-discriminatory atmosphere.
• The experiences shared helps dads see what they
  can expect.

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Networking

• Dads have helped other dads get to the meetings
  with rides.
• Some dads have helped to find jobs for the other
  dads.
• The dads relate to one another on the obstacles
  that they have encountered with their kids.
• The dads can discuss the frustration that they
  encounter from wives and significant others.