The Children’s Trust recently partnered with Pondville Correctional Center in Norfolk to offer the 13-week Nurturing Fathers Program. Nine fathers have successfully completed the program's first cohort, helping them build new parenting skills and strengthen bonds with their children. 

“I am inspired by this partnership with Pondville Correctional Center to help the fathers in their community give their children a loving, nurturing home,” said Christopher White, Fatherhood Initiative Coordinator for the Children’s Trust.“These men have shown extraordinary growth throughout the program, and it is clear how much they love their children. We know that active fathers are a key component of thriving families and we look forward to continuing this new partnership.” 

The Children’s Trust partners with state and community agencies to bring the Nurturing Fathers Program to Massachusetts communities. The program is a 13-week, strength-based parenting group that helps fathers build and strengthen positive parenting attitudes and behaviors. Each week, participants hone their skills to support positive parenting and healthy family relationships.  

“Being a father has made me a better person, taught me values, commitment, what it means to be a team. Being able to be healthy and watch my family grow is a blessing. So now I know what I missed out on from my father, but I thank him and hold no ill will, because I also know how not to treat my family, to move on, and to continue to learn and grow with them,” said one of the program participants at the graduation ceremony.  

“The father and grandfather I choose to be is the biggest cheerleader I can be to my kids. And most importantly love them all the same, no matter what,” said another. 

The graduation ceremony was an opportunity for the fathers to share their commitments to their families and to proclaim the fathers they choose to be.  

“This program has helped me to be a father who learns to listen, and listens to learn,” said a graduate. 

Research demonstrates that fathers play an important role in the development of their children. A study from the Urban Leadership Institute found that 90% of homeless and runaway youth, 71% of high school dropouts, and 85% of youth who exhibit behavioral disorders come from a fatherless home. Conversely, research links father involvement to numerous benefits for children and families from maternal and infant health to nearly every measure of child wellbeing. A study from the U.S. Department of Education found that highly involved fathers have children who are 33% less likely than other children to repeat a grade and are 43% more likely than other children to earn mostly A’s. 

The Children’s Trust makes child abuse prevention possible by collaborating with family-serving organizations and investing in programming and innovations that address the root causes of child abuse and neglect. The Children’s Trust also advocates for policies that support systems change by generating and sharing knowledge about protective factors proven to support children and families. 

### 

About the Children’s Trust  

The Children’s Trust is a public-private organization working toward a Massachusetts free from child abuse and neglect. We partner with organizations and communities to drive systemic change to address the root causes of abuse and neglect so that all children can grow up in thriving families. You can learn more at childrenstrustma.org.