The role of fathers has changed, both with the times and out of necessity. Now more than ever, dads are taking on diverse roles in parenting and in the family. Studies show that kids benefit from a closer bond with their fathers, yet unfortunately, more children than ever are growing up without a dad actively involved in their lives. The Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living is working toward providing resources to address this issue, beginning with a support group designed specifically for Latino dads. 

Launched in 2022, "Papas Comprometidos" (engaged fathers) is a 16-week program with the goal of supporting and encouraging fathers' active involvement in their children's lives and in the lives of their families. Held in Spanish, the program targets socio-cultural parenting challenges that Latino dads face and it seeks to overcome the stigma perceived in seeking support. 

PROGRAM FEATURES 

Features of the program promote fathers' well-being, relationships between partners, relationships with their children, and address generational family patterns. Stress management is taught, and round-table discussions allow for shared experiences. Guest speakers include wellness instructors, community partners, and nurse navigators, adding valuable expertise and information. 

One of the most appreciated features of the program is "the family meal," which provides the opportunity for community building and bonding during the first 30 minutes of each two-hour session, over a meal. In addition to fostering a sense of community, the family meal is also a practical feature, since most of the fathers come straight from work to attend. 

TEAM 

Led by Hoag clinician Marlene Abarca, ASW, and co­facilitator Santiago Pedraza, BA, the clinician and case manager duo lead group discussions on men's mental health topics that can have a profound impact on members and their families in the Latino community. The group provides a safe space for the men to have an open dialogue and fosters a supportive environment where fathers can share their experiences, challenges, and emotions without stigma. 

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES 

Case Manager Santiago Pedraza notes that in many cultures, discussing fears and insecurities can be perceived as a sign of male weakness, making it difficult to open up with family or friends. Participants trust that Santiago understands their perspective. Major concerns expressed within the group are the cultural and social expectations placed on Latino men and the stigma and reluctance they feel in reaching out for help. "While they struggle to engage and open up in the beginning, after a few weeks of hearing other fathers discuss similar issues, they begin to let their guard down and feel more comfortable sharing with the group," he says. 

POSITIVE RESULTS 

The group's success is evident in the way the men build community and continue meeting after the conclusion of each session to continue sharing. 

"It's inspiring to see their bond," Santiago notes, "and tells us we're on the right track." When the participants graduate at the end of the program, Santiago feels good about his contributions as co-facilitator, sharing, "The relationships that the fathers build are remarkable. You can see how happy they are not only for themselves, but also for the other fathers in the group." 

The Benefits of An Involved Dad 

According to research by "The Fatherhood Project" at Harvard Medical School, active, daily emotional engagement between father and child benefits children in numerous, life-impacting ways.

Fathers occupy a critical role in child development. Some positive findings of the study concluded that:

• Children who feel a closeness to their father are twice as likely as those who do not to enter college or find stable employment after high school, 75% less likely to have a teen birth, 80% less likely to spend time in jail, and half as likely to experience multiple depression symptoms. 
• Children with actively involved fathers are 43% more likely to earn As in school and 33% less likely to repeat a grade than those without engaged dads. 
• High levels of father-involvement are correlated with higher levels of sociability, confidence, and self-control in children. 
• Father engagement reduces the frequency of behavioral problems in boys while also decreasing delinquency and economic disadvantage in low-income families.

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