Safe Children Coalition hosts Fatherhood Initiative Health Fair

Earlier this winter, the Fatherhood Initiative of child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition (SCC) hosted its first-ever Health Fair, held January 31 at the SCC headquarters in north Sarasota. The goal of the event was to help fathers lead a healthier lifestyle by providing access to local resources and services.

The organizations that were in attendance to provide information and resources to the attendees focused on healthcare, early childhood education, physical fitness, mental health, HIV prevention, addiction/recovery services, supportive housing and more.

SCC’s Fatherhood Initiative was launched in 2024. 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. 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 are hoping that the Fatherhood Initiative will 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 have included 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 Fatherhood Engagement Team, including director Sean Staffieri, and supervisor Aaron Bellamy 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 challenges faced by fathers so it is better understood how to appropriately meet their unique needs.

Through partnerships with several community agencies, SCC is committed to supporting fathers and father figures to be meaningfully engaged with their children and assisting in strengthening parenting skills through meaningful connections and peer support.

“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, nearly 250 fathers have been served in Circuit 12, which includes Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto counties.

For more about Safe Children Coalition and its programs, visit sccfl.org.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children and youth, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.