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National Fatherhood Initiative® Unveils Updated 24:7 Dad® Program Edition to Empower Fathers

National Fatherhood Initiative® Launches Fourth Edition of 24:7 Dad® Program

The National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), recognized as the leading organization in fatherhood support across the United States, has officially announced the release of the fourth edition of its flagship program, 24:7 Dad®. This program is celebrated for its evidence-based approaches that prioritize father's involvement in every child's life, aiming to foster not only responsible but also committed parenting.

For over two decades, the 24:7 Dad® program has been a pivotal tool for human service organizations throughout the U.S., instructing countless fathers on how to actively participate in their children's upbringing every day, all day long. According to Christopher Brown, the President of NFI, the foundation of a strong fatherhood journey lies in recognizing the critical role of fathers in their children's lives. He emphasizes that this realization has been the cornerstone of the program since its inception more than twenty years ago.

The newly released edition centers on three vital areas to support fathers in becoming the ideal parent they aspire to be:
1. Healing - Through empathetic guidance and collective support, fathers are encouraged to mend their pasts and move forward positively.
2. Hope - By nurturing confidence and belief in their abilities as fathers, the program instills a sense of optimism regarding their fathering roles.
3. Help - Dads are equipped with actionable and research-based tools necessary for growth—both as men and as fathers.

24:7 Dad® aims to transform the perception of fathers by illustrating that nurturing is not just an intrinsic trait but a skill that can be cultivated over time. With its flexible structure, the program can be adapted for various settings, whether in-person or virtual.

This edition includes two versions: 24:7 Dad® A.M. covers essential fathering skills and foundational topics, while 24:7 Dad® P.M. addresses advanced skills for more experienced fathers. Since 2003, NFI has empowered over 6,600 individuals to facilitate these groundbreaking sessions.

Key Improvements in the Fourth Edition

Created through the insights gathered from independent evaluators, facilitators, and fathers themselves, as well as the latest research in fathering practices, relationships, and adult learning, the fourth edition provides facilitators with enhanced resources. Key improvements include:

- Dedicated manuals tailored for group or one-on-one delivery, suitable for home visit scenarios.
- Scripts designed to communicate the content more effectively and engagingly.
- An enhanced flow of program activities, incorporating feedback from seasoned facilitators for a smoother experience.
- Tools specifically designed to ensure a seamless facilitation experience, whether it be in-person or online.
- A simplified fathering survey that facilitates the evaluation of the program's effectiveness.
- Inspirational videos included within each session to motivate and engage participants.
- Resources for timely delivery of the program and support for young fathers.

As Brown notes, each father’s needs are distinctive, and the 24:7 Dad® program is proven to strengthen relationships between dads of varying ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and beliefs. This latest edition signifies an important evolution for the program, equipping organizations with essential tools to aid fathers in their parenting roles like never before.

Research shows that strong father involvement is linked to positive outcomes for children, reducing the likelihood of substance abuse and increasing graduation rates. The skills imparted through 24:7 Dad®, such as resilience-building and gaining knowledge on where to seek help, significantly lower the chances of child maltreatment. Studies indicate that following this program, fathers demonstrated improved pro-fathering attitudes, along with enhanced co-parenting dynamics, which ultimately decrease the risk of child abuse and neglect.

NFI’s mission since its establishment in 1994 has been to address the crisis of father absence in America, where nearly 20 million children grow up without their biological fathers at home. The initiative collaborates closely with human service organizations and communities, offering resources, training, and programs, ensuring these entities become more father-inclusive.

Today, a larger number of children live with their fathers than at any time in the past 34 years, a testament to the initiative's efforts. For further information about the National Fatherhood Initiative® and their 24:7 Dad® materials, kindly visit www.fatherhood.org.