National Fatherhood Initiative

Program Overview

Responsible Fatherhood Programs

Fathers make a unique and invaluable contribution to the well being of children. A father’s interaction with his children promotes healthy physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual development. Most fathers want to be the best father that they can be. But all too often, men grow up without a healthy role model of a father. Consequently, many fathers have the desire, but not the knowledge or skills, to be a great dad.

24/7 Dad™ is a unique, comprehensive set of fatherhood programs developed by a team of nationally and internationally recognized fathering and parenting experts and with input from fatherhood practitioners. It includes a basic fathering program (24/7 Dad™ A.M.) and a more in-depth program (24/7 Dad™ P.M.), each consisting of 12 two-hour sessions. Each program can be implemented in a group setting or in a one-on-one home-based setting. At the end of each program, fathers and mothers come together to discuss the developments the father has gone through and how it has affected their relationship and family life. Each program stands on its own as a complete program that includes pre and post-assessment evaluation tools. Organizations can use the assessment tools to help a father determine in which program his needs can be best met.

Both the 24/7 Dad™ A.M. and 24/7 Dad™ P.M. programs focus on five characteristics that a father needs to be a great dad 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both programs cover universal aspects of fatherhood so that men of all cultures, races, religions, and backgrounds can benefit from either program. Organizations can combine programs so that fathers complete the 24/7 Dad™ A.M. program and then transition into the 24/7 Dad™ P.M. program. When a father completes either program, he becomes a “24/7 Dad” who:

• Is aware of himself as a man and aware of the significant impact he has in his family. He is in touch with his moods and feelings/emotions, his capabilities, his strengths, and his limitations.
• Is a man who takes care of himself. He gets annual physicals, eats the proper foods, exercises to stay in shape, has a strong spiritual connection with his community, and chooses friends who reinforce his healthy choices.
• Is very aware of the significant role he has in the family. He is a positive role model. He capitalizes on his knowledge of the unique contributions (e.g., skills) he brings and that his wife/the mother of his children brings to raising his children (i.e., the difference between “fathering” and “mothering”).
• Is a nurturing parent who clearly understands and accepts the importance his parenting skills have in developing the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual and creative needs of his children.
• Works to build and maintain healthy and supportive relationships with his children, wife, family, friends, and community.  

For more information on starting a fatherhood program, contact  the State GRADS office, Debbie Grider, for more information.  838-2486 or dgrider@nmgrads.org.

MELD for Young Dads

MELD for Young Dads is a program of information and support for young fathers age 16 to 25. Dads participate in weekly support group meetings with other dads to share information, parenting advice, and share a meal. MELD for Young Dads also offers fun activities for dads and children to enjoy together.

Meld has been making a positive difference for more than 30 years in the lives of families with children—nurturing crucial connections between parents and children by building skills, knowledge, support systems and confidence. Since mid-2005, Meld has been part of the Parents as Teachers National Center family of services, strengthening families through facilitated parent education and support groups. These parent programs improve the capacity of families to support, nurture, and guide their children.

With field-tested publications, Meld provides ongoing, hands-on help for family service providers and the parents they serve. In addition to training for professionals who work with families, Meld publications provide information regarding child development, child guidance, health, family management, and personal growth.

Through these parent programs and resources, parents get what they need to raise nurtured, competent children.