FY27 CAR Father Engagement Pilot – Youth Father Support and Engagement

The Community-Based Father Support & Engagement Pilot Program has been developed by the Department to increase services to fathers and male caregivers in the community. The program aims to strengthen child and family well-being through the development, improvement, and expansion of prevention-focused community-based services for fathers and male caregivers. The program will provide young fathers with individualized parenting education and support by engaging them through case management, therapeutic counseling, parent groups, and home visiting services. The goal of the program is to effectively support young fathers in their role as a parent, provider, caregiver, and nurturer of their child's healthy growth and development. Key aspects of the program include: • Activities to promote and sustain healthy marriage and co-parent relationships • Activities to improve parenting skills and knowledge • Activities to increase fathers' level of involvement with their children • Activities to facilitate personal transformation • Activities to improve fathers' level of connectedness with their community The program will serve biological fathers aged 12-25, and the target population will be young fathers who reside in the geographic area served. The program aims to achieve specific outcomes, including improvements in co-parenting skills, knowledge and skills related to child development, and healthy coping strategies.