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Oakland Family Services: Dynamic Dads
By: Kevin Zoromski, MSEd.
Early Childhood Services Manager
And
Carlton Elam, B.S.
Dynamic Dads Program Lead
Oakland Family Services
Oakland Family Services is a private, non-profit human service agency that has been providing quality services to families and the Southeastern Michigan community since 1921.
Oakland Family Services
Oakland Family Services serves more than 43,000 children, adolescents, and adults every year.
Consumers in many programs receive services in their homes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and in the work place.
Oakland Family ServicesOur Mission:
– Established in 1921, a Center of Excellence…bridging individuals and families in need to successful and independent lives.
Our Vision:– Strong and safe communities
comprised of healthy individuals and families able to nurture each other and their children.
Dynamic Dads
Overview
Dynamic Dads was created in September of 2006 with the goal of supporting and educating fathers who are raising children with disabilities, delays, chronic illness, or behavioral concerns.
Dynamic Dads is currently in it’s 5th year of programming.
Based on current research, a child who has a developmental delay or disability is at greater risk of growing up in a father-absent home and of not having a close and connected relationship with their father.
The delay or disability of the child creates a host of challenges for the father in his relationship with himself, with the child and with the mother of his child.
Challenges including grief, denial, anger and depression.
Dynamic Dads Approach:
We approach providing services for fathers and their families, who are raising children who have disabilities or developmental delays, with the following key understandings:
Fathers of children with disabilities are fathers first, and fathers of a child with a disability second. Many of the issues faced by fathers who have children with disabilities are the same as fathers who have children who are typically developing.
Fathers and mothers of children with disabilities have many of the same needs and concerns, but there can also be real differences in how they respond to their child’s condition, what they do to cope, and what they find helpful. Fathers tend to have more of a “fix it” mentality.
Fathers want information about their child’s condition and development, what can be done to help, and what services are available to help their child and the family as a whole.
The needs of fathers can be missed by services, which traditionally tend to focus on support for the child and mother. Dynamic Dads is available to provide that focus for fathers.
Dynamic Dads
Curriculum
The Responsible Fatherhood Curriculum is 12 weeks in length and includes topics such as:
Boys to Men: Experiencing Manhood The Art of Communication Father’s as Providers Developing Values in Children Coping as a Single Father Dealing with Children’s Behaviors Understanding Male-Female Relationships Managing Conflict and Handling Anger
Curriculum
Using the Responsible Fatherhood Curriculum by the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation, Dynamic Dads has created a revised version to address the particular issues related to parenting children with special needs.
The adaptations include a stronger focus on child development, legal rights and responsibilities for children and families coping with disabilities, and communication between family members.
A Look at a Revised Version of the Curriculum:
Boys to Men: Experiencing Manhood Life Before and After Becoming a Parent
The Art of Communication Discussing Your Child’s Delay/Disability with Others
Father’s as Providers Developing Values with Children Coping as a Father Parenting a Child with a Delay or
Disability Dealing with Children’s Behaviors (Positive
Discipline) Understanding Male-Female Relationships Managing Conflict and Handling Anger
Domestic Violence
Dynamic Dads
Referral Sources
Source
CPS / DHS
Self / Walk In / Phone Call
Crossroads for Youth
Head Start / Schools
Early On
OFS Programs
Human Service Agencies
Oakland Courts / Probation
Early Intervention Programs
Misc.
Percent 28.8
19.5
7.9
7.7
7.2
7.0
5.8
5.6
5.4
4.1
Referrals
CPS / DHSSelf / Walk InCrossroadsHead Start / SchoolEarly OnOFS ProgramsNon ProfitsCourtsEarly InterventionMisc.
Dynamic Dads
Group Locations
Location Percent of Groups
Pontiac 47.0
Farmington Hills 13.1
Walled Lake 11.4
Oxford 7.5
Lake Orion 5.8
Troy 5.1
Berkley 4.4
Clawson 3.5
Euro Peds / NOMC 1.2
Holly .7
Southfield .2
Group Locations
PontiacFarmingtonWalled LakeOxfordLake OrionTroyBerkleyClawsonEuro PedsHollySouthfield
Holly
Quadrant 1
Lake Orion Oxford
Quadrant 2
Quadrant 4
FarmingtonSouthfieldWalled Lake
Quadrant 3 Berkley Clawson Troy
Pontiac
Oakland County as seen in 4 quadrants
Pontiac vs. Other Quadrants
PontiacQuadrant 1Quadrant 2Quadrant 3Quadrant 4
Group Sessions Group session attendance ranges from 1-16
total group sessions with an individual participant Mean average of 7.33. Mode = 11 groups
47% of participants completed 9 or more groups.
28% of participants completed 6 to 8 groups. 25% of participants completed 5 groups or
less.
Individual Sessions Participants completed on average 1.9
individual sessions, ranging from 1- 8 total sessions.
50% participated in 1 session 25% participated in 2 sessions 15% participated in 3 sessions 4% participated in 4 sessions 2% participated in 5 sessions
3% participated in more than 5 sessions
ALL DATA AND INFORMATION WAS RECEIVED FROM 430 PARTICIPANTS.
NEARLY 70% OF PARTICIPANTS COMPLETED THE PRE/POST
MEASURES AND WERE RATED AS HAVING COMPLETED THE PROGRAM.
Dynamic Dads Collected Data
Dynamic Dads
Demographic Characteristics
Dynamic Dads clients are very diverse in:
EthnicityAge Income level
Ethnicity Percent
Caucasian 55%
African American 29%
Hispanic / Latino 6%
Asian 5%
Arabic / Chaldean 1%
Native American 1%
Other 3%
Age Range
Dynamic Dads clients are also very diverse in their age range.
Father’s in the program aged from 15 to 65 years old with the average age being at 35.5 years old.
15 to 19 years 20 to 39 years 40 to 59 years 60 to 79 years0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Income Level
Approximately 58% of the participants indicated that their income was $20,000 a year or less; 10% had incomes at approximately $30,000; and 32% had incomes at $40,000 or higher.
Income Level
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Changes in Pre- and Post- Test Scores on The Fatherhood Survey
Dynamic Dads
Principle 1: Effective Fathers are Committed to Their Children
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16Principle 1 Statements:
I avoid action in fathering mychild.
I rarely spend time with mychildren.
It is hard for me to get goingin my fathering role.
Principle 1 Results
Reported results from Principle 1 suggest that fathers were more engaged in spending time with their children and had higher motivation in their fathering role after completing Dynamic Dads.
Principle 2: Effective Fathers Know Their Children
Possi-
ble Scores
High= 35
Low=70
5
10
15
20
25
30
35Principle 2 Statements:
I have a good handle on howmy child’s needs change as he/she grows up.
I know my child’s growth needs.
I know what my child needs inorder to grow into a mature,responsible person.
Principle 2 Results
Results suggest that fathers had a better sense of their child’s growth and development needs, and developed a higher level of awareness of the issues their children were dealing with after completing Dynamic Dads.
Principle 3: Effective Fathers are Consistent in Their Attitudes and Behaviors
Possi-
ble Scores
High= 30
Low= 60
5
10
15
20
25
30Principle 3 Statements:
My moods are pretty much thesame from day to day.
I am predictable in the way Irelate to my child.
I do not have major shifts in mymood.
Principle 3 Results
Results suggest that fathers’ felt their moods and emotional states were more consistent after completing Dynamic Dads.
Principle 5: Effective Fathers Love, or at Least Respect, Their Children’s Mother
Possi-
ble Scores
High= 20
Low= 50
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20Principle 5 Statements:
Having a good relationship with my child’s mother.
Discussing my child’sdevelopment with my child’smother.
Discussing my child’s problemswith my child’s mother.
Principle 5 Results
Results suggest that fathers had an increase in their ability to positively co-parent with their child’s mother following participation in Dynamic Dads.
Principle 6: Effective Fathers Actively Listen to Their Children.
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20Principle 6 Statements:
I pay attention to my childrenwhen they speak to me.
I carefully listen to my childrenexpress their concerns.
I show my children that I carewhen they share a problemwith me.
Principle 6 Results
Results suggest that fathers had an increase in their communication with their child following participation in Dynamic Dads.
Post-Test End of the Group Questionnaire
Dynamic Dads
Scoring
Scores were measured on a scale ranging from 1-5
1= Mostly False 2= Somewhat False 3= Undecided 4= Somewhat True 5= Mostly True
Question 1
The types of subjects and topics covered in the support group had relevance to the issues and concerns that I deal with as a father.
Question 1
4.8 4.82 4.84 4.86 4.88 4.9 4.92 4.94 4.96 4.98 5
Question 2
The level of knowledge of the group facilitator was appropriate to the subject matter that was covered.
Question 2
4.86 4.88 4.9 4.92 4.94 4.96 4.98 5
Question 3
The resources and materials provided within the groups have increased my awareness of the importance of a father’s involvement in the lives of his children.
Question 3
4.86 4.88 4.9 4.92 4.94 4.96 4.98 5
Question 4
I have a better understanding of the importance of maintaining a working relationship with the mother of my children.
Question 4
4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5
Question 5
I feel my fathering behaviors improved and increased as a direct result of having taken the group.
Question 5
4.55 4.6 4.65 4.7 4.75 4.8 4.85 4.9 4.95 5
Question 6
I feel that I will be better able to manage the anger and stress in my life.
Question 6
4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5
Question 7
My understanding and knowledge of the “developmental stages” that children go through has increased.
Question 7
4.65 4.7 4.75 4.8 4.85 4.9 4.95 5
Question 8
I have increased my knowledge and awareness of what “consistency” means within the framework of being an effective father.
Question 8
4.65 4.7 4.75 4.8 4.85 4.9 4.95 5
Question 9
I am more aware of how I shape my children’s attitudes and values.
Question 9
4.7 4.75 4.8 4.85 4.9 4.95 5
Question 10
I am now more aware of what resources and support services are available for fathers within my community.
Question 10
4.55 4.6 4.65 4.7 4.75 4.8 4.85 4.9 4.95 5
Question 11
Since taking Dynamic Dads, I have improved the relationship I have with my children.
Question 11
4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5
Question 12
I feel that I now have more knowledge, skills and awareness of what types of parenting behaviors it takes to be an effective father.
Question 12
4.8 4.82 4.84 4.86 4.88 4.9 4.92 4.94 4.96 4.98 5
CPS/DHS Referred Clients
Dynamic Dads
Characteristics
CPS referred clients had significantly lower income than non-CPS referred clients.
However, CPS clients did not significantly differ in their age nor race when compared to non-CPS referred clients.
In other words, CPS and non-CPS clients were equally likely to be Caucasian, African American, Latino or Hispanic, Asian, or other race/ethnicity.
Characteristics
CPS referred participants completed a significantly greater number of total sessions than did Dynamic Dads participants referred from other sources.
On average, CPS clients completed an average of 10 total sessions whereas clients referred from other sources completed an average of 8.2 sessions.
However, even though mandated to participate, CPS clients were not significantly more likely to complete the program
Characteristics
One significant difference of note between CPS referred participants and non-CPS referred clients was shown on question 6 of the End of the Group Questionnaire.
CPS referred clients were more likely to indicate that they were better able to manage the anger and stress in their lives.
The Mean score for CPS referred clients was 4.78; for non-CPS referred participants the mean score was 4.5.
Summary
Dynamic Dads
Summary
In summary, the results suggest that clients who participated in Dynamic Dads and completed the program were very satisfied.
Analysis of pre-post changes reveal that fathers improved in a number of domains. After program participation, fathers report being more engaged in spending time with their children and were motivated in their father role. Fathers also reported having a better sense of their child’s growth and developmental needs. Also fathers noted improvements in their own health and emotional states.
Dynamic Dads
Client Testimonials
“I felt not so alone in my struggles to understand and help my child and myself through the stages of life as we grow as a family. Thanks to you all for helping me change my old behaviors, and learn new ones to start a better life for everyone I love”
“This group has helped me not only be a better father, but has made me a better man. I have caught myself using the things I have learned on an everyday basis.”
“I feel like I have grown closer and more loving toward my child.”
“This group has been fantastic. I can honestly say I feel better with my parenting skills”
“The leader is a good communicator and has done an excellent job of applying knowledge of delays, and turning them into positive parenting skills. This program should be mandatory for parents in place of, or to supplement, birthing classes”
“I have gained a wealth of knowledge from group through this experience in bonding with other fathers. I found that I wasn’t alone and that there were other men in similar situations.”
“I have to say this is the best program I have ever been involved with.”
“This program has enhanced my daughter’s socialization skills as well as gross and fine motor skills. I’ve seen improvements in my daughter over the past year that I never would have imagined before we were involved with Dynamic Dads.”
Dynamic Dads Evaluation Conducted By:
Wayne State University School of Social Work
The Center for Social Work Practice and Policy Research
Project Evaluator: Shawna J. Lee, PhD
Contact Information
Oakland Family Services 114 Orchard Lake Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
Kevin Zoromski
(248) 858-7766 ext. 318
Carlton Elam
(248) 858-7766 ext. 226
