Select Region
Follow us!


City Initiative to Make Absent Dads Better Parents

City Initiative to Make Absent Dads Better Parents


Nearly $3 million will be spent to expand the Fatherhood Initiative program.
 

Far too many kids are being raised without the steady presence of a father in their day-to-day lives. In fact, one out of three New York City kids are growing up in a home without dad around.

According to the Department of Youth and Community Development, this no-father-present dynamic can lead to poor school performance, poverty, and the chance for risky behaviors as the child develops. That is why the department is proposing an expansion of their Fatherhood Initiative program, which was first put in place in 2003.

The $2.8 million planned to strengthen this important program will fund eight community-based organizations throughout the city, which work to improve father-child relationships and bonds. The intention is for each contractor with the initiative to work with about 180 dads per year, an increase from the 120 aided in 2015.



Fathers will be required to take parenting skills workshops, and if they are so inclined, they may attend anger management classes as well as domestic violence prevention courses. Fathers will also be offered employment services if they have a prior criminal record, issues related to substance abuse, experience homelessness, and/or have a poor educational background.

Last year, 1,091 fathers were enrolled, and thanks to the Father Initiative program, 44 percent spent more time with their kids as a result and provided more financial support. With the new expansion in proposal, which is supported by Mayor de Blasio, these numbers should see a spike in the years to come. 
 

RELATED:

Discover NYC's Top Activities for Kids

Get Exciting Area Events in Your Inbox

More News Articles:

What Is Open in NYC on Christmas Day?

Christmas day is a wonderful time to explore the attractions of the New York City area. Here's what is open in NYC on Christmas day this year.


Latest News:

LuminoCity Festival of Holiday Lights Returns for 2022

LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival has returned for the 2022 season and will be on display through Jan. 9, 2023.


Family Activities:



Have a Laugh:

Best Memes of the Week for Parents

Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.
Melissa A. Kay

Author: Melissa A. Kay is a writer, editor, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the publishing field in the areas of family, beauty, health, employment, lifestyle, entertainment, and more. She lives in Manhattan with her loving husband and inspiring cat, and enjoys reading, fitness, cooking, music, and the amazing experiences New York has to offer. See More

Featured Listings:

Ballet Academy East

Ballet Academy East

New York, NY Ballet Academy East Summerdance will immerse girls ages four through eight in fun, enriching and creative activities centering on the arts. The full d...

Vivvi

Vivvi

At Vivvi, children’s natural curiosity guides a best-in-class curriculum facilitated by warm experienced teachers who foster the joy of learning.

Jodi's Gym

Jodi's Gym

Manhattan, NY These are some of the many reasons why we are THE place to bring your child to fall in love with the joy of gymnastics and movement. Hundreds of th...