Missouri Mentoring Partnership program reaches out to young fathers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Matt Blunt recently announced that the Children's Trust Fund board of directors approved and awarded over $1.5 million for fiscal year 2008 to 58 community-based child abuse prevention grantees.

CTF is Missouri's foundation for child abuse prevention and works through grant distribution, education and awareness. Since its creation by the Missouri Legislature in 1983 the CTF has distributed over $37 million of nongeneral revenue funding toward prevention efforts. The CTF child abuse prevention grant awarded the Missouri Mentoring Partnership Young Parent Program $23,950 to reach out to young fathers, providing them with educational and support activities that will help them learn to be responsible, nurturing parents. What that means for the Missouri Mentoring Partnership is increased program services to young fathers in Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties.

According to the Missouri Department of Social Services, 123,198 hotline calls in 2006 generated 51,396 reports of child abuse and neglect involving 74,545 children. Of the 5,279 cases substantiated, 7,217 children were involved. Abused and neglected children are at higher risk for negative outcomes such as adolescent pregnancy, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, academic failure and criminal activity.

MMP's Young Parent Program recognizes the challenges young parents face when caring for a child while juggling school, work and life in general. Through classes, monthly group meetings and time spent with volunteer mentors, young moms and dads develop parenting and life skills that reduce their risk of child abuse and neglect and boost their self-esteem.

Young fathers have always been welcome to participate in program activities, but programming exclusively for dads is new.

"We're really excited about the new resources available that give us the opportunity to reach out to the dads in our community," MMP director Charles DiStefano said.

MMP's mentors provide positive role modeling, friendship and guidance in employment and parenting issues to youths who are entering the workplace or have become parents. The objectives of MMP are to encourage continuation of education and to provide employment opportunities enhanced through mentoring.

The increased programming for fathers will offer "Dads Only" events, combining social interaction with discussion on young fatherhood. Topics include helping the pregnant mother-to-be, getting the education and job needed to financially support a child, and how to create quality time with a child while having free time for the father himself.

Youth specialist David Hines will be leading the dads group. "My goal is to help fathers take an active role in the lives of children, not only in the short term but in the future as well," he said.

The Young Parent Program has been addressing the needs of the area's young parents since 1999. Youth specialists work at strengthening parenting skills to develop and achieve parental, personal, educational and employment goals. Regular activities and meetings that allow parents to learn new skills and network with their peers are provided.

Eligible program candidates are Missouri residents younger than 21, pregnant girls, expectant fathers or parents of a child younger than two years old who are willing to work at life-improving goals and parenting skills. Once accepted, parents may remain in the program until they are 22 or their child turns 3 years old, as long as they remain active in program activities.

All young parents who may be eligible for the program, and adults interested in mentoring, may call 332-0066, e-mail info@missourimentoring.com or visit www.missourimentoring.com.