Please, see below to access our Fatherhood at the Forefront Program Referral form:

FATF Referral Form

‍

‍

Program Philosophy

The Fatherhood at the Forefront (FATF) Program is grounded in thebelief that every father has the capacity to positively impact the lives oftheir children, and that a strong, supportive relationship between fathers andtheir children is a cornerstone for healthy family development. Throughcomprehensive support and guidance, the program aims to empower fathersinvolved in the child welfare system to become active, engaged, and effectiveparents.

At its core, the program is built on several guiding principles.First, we believe that knowledge is power. By equipping fathers with essentialparenting tools, life skills, and emotional support, the program fosters anenvironment where participants feel confident and capable of meeting theirchildren's needs. Educational workshops, mentorship, and access to resourcesare designed to enhance parenting skills, increase self-confidence, and promoteinformed decision-making.

The program also emphasizes the importance of strengtheningfather-child relationships. Recognizing the irreplaceable role fathers play inthe emotional, social, and psychological development of their children, FATFprovides strategies and support to rebuild and nurture these bonds—especiallyduring times of separation.

A key focus of the program is reunification and long-term familystability. Through individual coaching, case management, and tailoredinterventions, we support fathers in their journey to safely reunify with theirchildren and build sustainable, healthy family dynamics. These efforts arealigned with child welfare goals to ensure long-term security and well-being.

FATF also takes a holistic and culturally competent approach toservice delivery. We acknowledge that fathers come from diverse backgrounds andface a variety of unique challenges. Our program ensures that services arerelevant, respectful, and personalized by addressing each father's specificneeds and connecting them with appropriate community resources, socialservices, and mental health support.

Accountability and personal responsibility are also central to ourphilosophy. We encourage fathers to take ownership of their actions andchoices, while supporting their efforts through guidance, encouragement, and astructured approach that helps them stay on track and achieve their parentinggoals.

Finally, we value collaboration and communityinvolvement. FATF partners with local organizations, child welfareprofessionals, and community leaders to provide fathers with access to a strongand consistent support network. This collective approach helps fathers navigatechallenges, build connections, and become contributing members of theirfamilies and communities. Through this program, we aim toredefine fatherhood as a powerful, nurturing, and essential force in the livesof children. Our commitment is to help fathers build the knowledge, confidence,and support network they need to become the strong, stable, and positive rolemodels their children deserve. We stand together with fathers in creating abrighter, healthier future for families in Volusia, Flagler, and PutnamCounties.

‍

Program Description

The Fatherhood at the Forefront (FATF) Program is dedicatedto empowering fathers involved in the child welfare system across Volusia,Flagler, and Putnam Counties. With a focus on supporting fathers throughindividualized care and evidence-based parenting education, our mission is toequip them with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to reunite with theirchildren and build stronger, more resilient families.

Through a comprehensive approach, the programprovides personalized support to fathers, addressing their unique needs andcircumstances. This includes access to parenting workshops, one-on-onecoaching, case management, and connections to vital community resources.Fathers are given the knowledge and confidence to actively engage in theirchildren’s lives, foster healthier relationships, and take the necessary stepstoward reunification and long-term stability.

Our program is built on the understanding that strong families are the foundation of a thriving community. By focusing on the growth and empowerment of fathers, we aim to break the cycle of separation and build a future where fathers are equipped and supported in their roles as active, nurturing parents. The Fatherhood at the Forefront Program’s ultimate goal is to create lasting positive change, not just for fathers, but for children, families, and communities throughout Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam  Counties.

Program Goals

The Fatherhood at the Forefront (FATF)Program is designed to support, empower, and engage fathers—particularly thoseinvolved in the child welfare system—by promoting safe reunification, personalgrowth, and meaningful involvement in their children’s lives. The core goals ofthe program are to:

1. Help fathers navigate the child welfare system and take concrete, trauma-informed steps toward the safe, stable, and lasting reunification with their children, ensuring their safety, permanency, and well-being.
2. Provide practical, evidence-based education and life skills that enhance parenting capabilities, increase emotional resilience, and support informed, responsible decision-making.
3. Promote healing and emotional growth by fostering strong, supportive father-child relationships—particularly during or following periods of separation—and encouraging emotionally responsive and high-quality interactions.
4. Integrate trauma-informed practices that help fathers process past adversity, develop self-awareness, and take accountability for their roles, empowering them to create positive change in their own lives and in the lives of their children.
5. Provide supportive services and connections to resources that reduce barriers to employment, housing, and financial security, laying the foundation for long-term independence and family well-being.
6. Reduce isolation by encouraging connection to peer networks, community services, and local supports through engagement in community- and school-based events that promote responsible fatherhood.
7. Recognize and build upon each father’s unique strengths, experiences, and potential, guiding them toward personal growth, active fatherhood, and deeper involvement in their children’s lives.

Provision of Services

·  Initiate contact with each referred fatherwithin one (1) business day of referral to schedule an initial face-to-facemeeting, to be completed within three (3) business days of service acceptance.

·  Conduct a comprehensive, in-person assessmentwithin five (5) business days of the initial visit to guide service planning.

·  Develop an individualized Fatherhood EmpowermentPlan within seven (7) business days, collaboratively signed by the father,Fatherhood Support Partner, and Engagement Coordinator.

·  Maintain bi-weekly or more frequent face-to-facecontact as determined by case staffing, ensuring consistent engagement andprogress.

·  Support fathers in completing Conditions forReturn and case plan tasks to promote reunification and family stability.

· Facilitate weekly case staffing’s to reviewprogress, adjust plans, and ensure coordinated support.

· Assist fathers in accessing flexible funds tomeet basic needs (e.g., food, clothing, housing, transportation) incoordination with case managers and providers.

· Participate in court proceedings to advocate forand update on the father's progress.

· Communicate regularly with the assigned CaseManager and submit monthly progress reports for each father.

· Complete a closure summary within five (5)business days of case closure, detailing services provided, outcomes achieved,and follow-up recommendations.

‍

Supportive Services Offered

Community Events and Workshops 

Return/Case Plan Assistance

Strength Based Parenting Support, Mentoring and Coaching 

Accessibility and Engagement 

Assessment and Goal Setting

Dependency System Education and Support 

Community Support and One on One Advocacy 

24:7 Dad Training and Support Groups 

Population Served

Any father with children under the ageof 18 who are involved with the child welfare system who need services topromote responsible fatherhood.

 AdmissionCriteria: (include but not limited to)

• Fathers who reside in the Volusia, Putnam and Flagler     counties.
• Fathers involved with the child welfare system with children under 18 years.
• Referrals primarily from funder, with additional referrals evaluated for eligibility.

Duration

Fatherhood at theForefront (FATF) will serve each Father for approximately 14 weeks, to providepre-reunification intervention, connection to valuable community-basedresources, effective parenting support and coaching services, and case planassistance that will enable Father’s to effectively care for their childrenwith the goal of strengthening and maintaining permanency.

Additional days ofintensive services can be provided to the Father after the child is returnedhome to ensure all needed supports are in place and the child can remain safelyat home.

Transition from Program

At BAYS, we understand thatfatherhood doesn’t end with the completion of a program—it’s an ongoingjourney. That’s why we’re committed to supporting fathers even after they’vecompleted our Fatherhood at the Forefront Program. Through our comprehensiveclosure and aftercare services, we ensure that every father remains connectedto the resources, community, and peer support they need to thrive.

As part of the program’s conclusion, we conductindividualized closure staffing’s. These sessions provide fathers with theopportunity to reflect on their progress, celebrate their achievements, anddiscuss any remaining challenges. More importantly, closure staffing’s ensurethat fathers feel supported and ready for the next chapter, with clearconnections to local resources, support networks, and opportunities forcontinued engagement with other fathers in the community.

We recognize that transitioning from a structured programcan be challenging, which is why our aftercare services are designed to provideongoing support. Our aftercare program includes:

• 30-day     follow-up: A check-in to reinforce the lessons learned and offer any     additional resources that may be needed.
• 60-day     follow-up: A deeper touchpoint to address any ongoing challenges and     help fathers stay connected to the program's key resources.
• 90-day     follow-up: A final booster session to ensure fathers remain engaged     with their community, continue building meaningful relationships with     other fathers, and have access to the tools and services that support     their long-term success.

These services help ensurefathers are never alone in their journey, and they stay connected to thesupport they need as they continue to grow as parents, partners, and communitymembers.

The journey of fatherhood is notone that should be faced in isolation. The Fatherhood at the Forefront programensures fathers have the opportunity to build lasting connections, not onlywith their children, but with other fathers. These peer relationships help tofoster a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and offerencouragement through shared experiences.

‍