Fatherhood and Fathering: Disproportionality

Level: Advanced –Lineworker and Supervisor

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: Social workers and Supervisors working with fathers within their caseloads

Intended Objectives:

• Recognizing the impact of fathers being absent
• Developing an awareness of and respect for men’s culture
• Learning engagement techniques that can be used by social workers with fathers
• Recognizing institutional and personal biases around fathers in CWS

Topics Include:

The rights of fathers

• Father engagement for better case outcomes
• Institutional biases against fathers
• Awareness of men’s culture
• How fathers absences impact children

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.4 Student recognizes personal knowledge limitations regarding specific groups and seeks consultation and expertise as needed to assess and work effectively with clients.

3.8 Student demonstrates the ability to respectfully relate to, engage and assess family members from the strengths-based “person in environment” perspective and to develop and implement a case plan based on this assessment.

3.11 Student recognizes the importance of working with biological families, foster families, and kin networks, as well as involving them in assessment and planning strategies.

3.13 Student demonstrates the ability and self-awareness to assess his or her own value conflicts or emotional responses to clients, co-workers and situation, and seeks consultation when needed.

3.15 Student is aware of forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination pertaining to low-income, non-traditional and culturally diverse families and uses this knowledge to provide equitable and effective child welfare services