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

FATF Referral Form

FATF Client Handbook Final 2025

Fatherhood at the Forefront Brochure

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Program Philosophy

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

At its core, the program is built on several guiding principles. First, we believe that knowledge is power. By equipping fathers with essential parenting tools, life skills, and emotional support, the program fosters an environment where participants feel confident and capable of meeting their children's needs. Educational workshops, mentorship, and access to resources are designed to enhance parenting skills, increase self-confidence, and promote informed decision-making.

The program also emphasizes the importance of strengthening father-child relationships. Recognizing the irreplaceable role fathers play in he emotional, social, and psychological development of their children, FATF provides strategies and support to rebuild and nurture these bonds—especially during times of separation.

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

FATF also takes a holistic and culturally competent approach to service delivery. We acknowledge that fathers come from diverse backgrounds and face a variety of unique challenges. Our program ensures that services are relevant, respectful, and personalized by addressing each father's specific needs and connecting them with appropriate community resources, social services, and mental health support.

Accountability and personal responsibility are also central to our philosophy. We encourage fathers to take ownership of their actions and choices, while supporting their efforts through guidance, encouragement, and a structured approach that helps them stay on track and achieve their parenting goals.

Finally, we value collaboration and community involvement. FATF partners with local organizations, child welfare professionals, and community leaders to provide fathers with access to a strong and consistent support network. This collective approach helps fathers navigate challenges, build connections, and become contributing members of their families and communities. Through this program, we aim to redefine fatherhood as a powerful, nurturing, and essential force in the lives of children. Our commitment is to help fathers build the knowledge, confidence, and support network they need to become the strong, stable, and positive role models their children deserve. We stand together with fathers in creating a brighter, healthier future for families in Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam Counties.

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Program Description

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

Through a comprehensive approach, the program provides personalized support to fathers, addressing their unique needs and circumstances. This includes access to parenting workshops, one-on-one coaching, case management, and connections to vital community resources. Fathers are given the knowledge and confidence to actively engage in their children’s lives, foster healthier relationships, and take the necessary steps toward 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 those involved in the child welfare system—by promoting safe reunification, personal growth, and meaningful involvement in their children’s lives. The core goals of the 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 father within one (1) business day of referral to schedule an initial face-to-face meeting, to be completed within three (3) business days of service acceptance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Communicate regularly with the assigned Case Manager 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.

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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 age of 18 who are involved with the child welfare system who need services to promote responsible fatherhood.

 Admission Criteria: (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 the Forefront (FATF) will serve each Father for approximately 14 weeks, to provide pre-reunification intervention, connection to valuable community-based resources, effective parenting support and coaching services, and case plan assistance that will enable Father’s to effectively care for their children with the goal of strengthening and maintaining permanency.

Additional days of intensive services can be provided to the Father after the child is returned home to ensure all needed supports are in place and the child can remain safely at home.

Transition from Program

At BAYS, we understand that fatherhood doesn’t end with the completion of a program—it’s an ongoing journey. That’s why we’re committed to supporting fathers even after they’ve completed our Fatherhood at the Forefront Program. Through our comprehensive closure and aftercare services, we ensure that every father remains connected to the resources, community, and peer support they need to thrive.

As part of the program’s conclusion, we conduct individualized closure staffing’s. These sessions provide fathers with the opportunity to reflect on their progress, celebrate their achievements, and discuss any remaining challenges. More importantly, closure staffing’s ensure that fathers feel supported and ready for the next chapter, with clear connections to local resources, support networks, and opportunities for continued engagement with other fathers in the community.

We recognize that transitioning from a structured program can be challenging, which is why our aftercare services are designed to provide ongoing 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 ensure fathers are never alone in their journey, and they stay connected to the support they need as they continue to grow as parents, partners, and community members.

The journey of fatherhood is no tone that should be faced in isolation. The Fatherhood at the Forefront program ensures fathers have the opportunity to build lasting connections, not only with their children, but with other fathers. These peer relationships help to foster a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer encouragement through shared experiences.

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