PROGRAMS: CON LOS PADRES

Almost a decade ago, Bienvenidos Family Services welcomed fifteen tattooed, head-shaven young Latinos to our offices. These tough-looking teens had come to participate in a pilot program designed to help non-custodial fathers develop meaningful relationships with their children and learn to become supportive, caring and nurturing fathers. With this first group of tough-looking guys, Con Los Padres was born.

Con Los Padres helps young fathers understand their child's growth and development, their personal rights and responsibilities as fathers, and encourages the development of positive, nurturing parent/child relationships. Many young fathers come to the program with siblings the same age as their own children — yet they come with the strong desire to "be the best father I can be for my baby!"

The program is nationally recognized for its innovative approach. It helps teen fathers establish caring, responsible parental relationships, and is recognized in the community as a program that treats participants with respect, honor, and trust.

Program services include:

• Parenting/Fatherhood Training. Young and expectant fathers between the ages of 16 and 25 participate in 20 weekly classes where they have the opportunity to share their hopes and dreams, as well as discuss problems and concerns. Here, young men learn what it is means to be a caring fathers with PALABRA - men of their word.
• Case Management Services. Young fathers participate in special sessions where they learn healthy, appropriate ways to interact with the children.
• Legal/Paternity Clinics. Participants will learn about their rights and responsibilities as fathers through a series of clinics facilitated by attorneys and experts in the field of child support, custody, visitation, and paternity establishment. Participants will be assisted and encouraged to establish their legal relationship with their children.
• Cultural Activities. Provide young fathers with opportunities to participate in activities designed to develop and enhance positive aspects of Latino cultural identity.
• Cara y Corazon. Fatherhood program designed to men of all ages develop the skills to maintain positive relationships with their children and families while strengthening their ability to be active, responsible participant in their lives. This interactive program builds on the cultural strengths of the traditional Latino family and reinforces the man's role as a caring, responsible, respectful partner in the healthy development of the children, family and community.

For more information about the Con Los Padres program, contact Bobby Verdugo at (323) 728-9577.