Fathers Matter Program

Without a father, he's

... twice as likely to drop-out of school,
... 2½ more times likely to commit a violent crime, and
... 3 times more likely to be in prison before his 19th birthday.

-Source: Ad Council

FATHERS MATTER IS NO LONGER A PROGRAM OF FAIRFIELD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES. IT IS NOW PART OF THE MIDLANDS FATHERHOOD COALITION.

CONTACT FOR THE FAIRFIELD SITE:

106 NORTH CONGRESS STREET

WINNSBORO, SC 29180

SITE DIRECTIOR, KEITH IVEY

(803) 815-0447

Program Overview

Created in 1998 as part of the South Carolina Sisters of Charity Foundation's Fatherhood Initiative, Fathers Matter is a rural, community-based program designed to re-engage fathers with their children. The Program is guided by and built upon best practices in partnership, evaluation, sustainability and the ability to replicate the success of the program. Through program components and partners, participants receive holistic services, such as legal education, job readiness and employment assistance; parental training; emotional counseling; peer support; spiritual development; drug and alcohol treatment; and life skills.

Mission and Vision Statements

Fathers Matter's mission is to provide leadership through collaboration in supporting fathers and families in Fairfield County with an emphasis on economic development. The Program exists to collaborate and advocate for the sustaining education and development of fathers to strengthen, engage and re-engage in family life and community.

Program Details

Fathers Matter is a ten-month program designed to strengthen families and reduce poverty by providing comprehensive intervention services to non-custodial fathers between the ages of 18-40. The overall goals are to

empower fathers and assist them in becoming productive, self-sufficient men, and
help fathers earn and establish their position in the workplace, community and family by becoming more involved in their children's lives.

With input from the fathers, program staff members conduct assessments to identify what services and support the fathers need most and refer them accordingly. They help participants set goals, obtain employment, and find transportation and provide legal advice on fathers' rights concerning child support, custody and visitation. Additionally, fathers participate in a weekly support group to give them an opportunity to discuss and share their struggles and accomplishments related to a variety of areas, including relationships, anger, and spirituality. Activities for the fathers to participate in with their children, medical service assistance, and 24-hour support services are also important elements that the Program provides.

Criteria

Fathers Matter serves Fairfield County fathers, between ages 18-40, who seek assistance with and show a level of commitment toward re-engaging with their children. Fathers Matter works with fathers who want to do the right thing for the children and families and who do not have criminal convictions of child abuse, child molestation, or child pornography.