Fatherhood / Brothers / AFLP

The Perinatal Council knows that men are important in children's lives. We're also aware that men are historically overlooked in parenting and family life programs. To address this issue, we've created two programs- The Role of Men and The Gathering of the Brothers-that help men become more aware of what it means to be a man and a father.

The Role of Men program works with partners of women in the Black Infant Health program. The Gathering of the Brothers is a peer-education program focusing on prevention of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.

Young fathers, ages 12-20, are eligible to participate in our Adolescent Family Support Programs.

Male program participants receive services from Family Advocates who provide emotional support to men as they develop the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to the issues and challenges surrounding responsible parenthood-visitation, custody, child support, education, employment, career planning, self-sufficiency, relationship building, conflict resolution, and child development. Guided by their Family Advocates, men and boys deal learn how to form healthy, supportive family relationships. The Role of Men program also provides peer-support meetings and a series of workshops on topics of interest to men.

Many of the men and boys who participate in The Perinatal Council's Male Services programs say that they themselves grew up without a father, and they want to make sure that doesn't happen to their children. The Perinatal Council honors their commitment and affirms men's influence in their children's development by helping our clients become active, responsive fathers.