Working with Fathers in Child Welfare (Virtual Training)

When fathers are involved in child welfare case planning, children and youth have much better outcomes. And yet, despite federal and state laws and policies requiring the inclusion of fathers, data continues to show that fathers and paternal relatives are often excluded in court hearings, case planning activities, placement opportunities and in reunification efforts. This training will look at ways to include and engage fathers and/or their relatives to improve outcomes for children and families.

After attending this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least two ways engaging fathers and/or their relatives is important to the well-being of their children
• Describe three elements of practice used to include and welcome fathers
• Define two of the labels used to describe fathers in child welfare proceedings
• Assess current agency practice and/or policy regarding welcoming and serving fathers and paternal relatives
• Examine personal biases and their effect on inclusion of fathers and paternal relatives in individual child welfare practice

• Value the importance of maintaining and supporting relationships between children and their fathers and paternal relatives
• Value a culturally-responsive, strengths-based approach to engaging fathers and their relatives.