Safe Children Coalition Supports Fathers and Families

June 12, 2024 | Sarasota

In the child welfare realm, it is not uncommon for fathers or paternal family members to be absent during the case planning process, particularly in comparison to mothers or maternal figures. As Father’s Day approaches, local child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition (SCC) understands the importance of paternal involvement in ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and youth – and they’ve launched new programming to affirm just that.

In 2022, the Florida Legislature appropriated over $68.9 million to support services for fathers, create an awareness campaign related to responsible fatherhood, and provide evidence-based parenting education to meet the individual needs of fathers.  

Of the total funding, local child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition (SCC) received approximately $150,000. A portion of that funding went toward three grants designated for the comprehensive needs of fathers, evidence-based education programs for fathers, and mentorship programs for at-risk male students.

Short-term goals for SCC’s fatherhood initiative include ensuring fathers’ voices are heard, that there is data-informed knowledge of the actual needs of fathers in our communities, and that case managers and stakeholders are aware of all available resources throughout the community. Longer-term goals include increasing the number of fathers with mentors/parent partners or role models, increasing the monthly contacts by fathers with their children, and increasing the percentage of fathers reunified with their child/ren.  

 The Father Engagement Coordinator for SCC is Aaron Bellamy; he is responsible for building relationships with fathers, helping to identify needs, assisting fathers in accessing services, addressing any gaps identified in services, and communicating the particular challenges faced by fathers so it’s understood how to appropriately meet their unique needs.

Through partnership with several community agencies,  SCC is committed to providing fathers with the support they need to thrive, and to connecting them with positive role models.

“Numerous studies affirm that there are tremendous benefits to engaging fathers in the child welfare process, including decreased incidence of neglect or abuse, improved social and emotional well-being, reduced behavioral and psychological problems, and better performance in school,” said SCC President and CEO Brena Slater. “Our vision is to support and equip fathers with the necessary resources to get and remain engaged in their children’s lives.”

So far, more than 60 fathers have been served in Circuit 12, which includes Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto counties.

For more about SCC, visit sccfl.org.