Lecture on Fatherhood and Home Visiting Services for African American Fathers

Introduction

• Focus on fatherhood scholar and practitioner experiences.
• Working in home visiting field in Atlanta, Georgia.

Observation in Service Provision

• Majority of services offered to mothers and children.
• Cultural stereotypes view Black fathers as absent.

Personal Background and Passion

• Became a young father at 15.
• Professional focus on supporting other fathers.

Key Concepts

• Paternal Presence vs. Paternal Involvement:
  • Importance of distinguishing between the two.
  • Need to build an ecosystem of support for Black fathers.
• Black fathers often face obstacles preventing them from being the parents they want to be.

Challenges Faced by Black Fathers

• Community and Environmental Challenges:
  • Neighborhoods affected by violence.
• Criminal Justice System:
  • Racially discriminatory policies.
  • Overrepresentation in the criminal legal system.
• Employment Issues:
  • Distrust due to incarceration history.
  • Struggle to rise in a limiting society.

Recommendations

• Training for Home Visitors:
  • Formal training on implicit bias towards fathers.
  • Cultural competency training to appreciate Black American family practices.
• Policy Changes Needed:
  • Addressing bad policies that hinder Black fathers' roles.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on changing support systems and societal perceptions to aid Black fathers in becoming the parents they aspire to be.