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New Laredo fathers program aims to reach dads of children up to 17 with 24/7 DAD curriculum
Summary
A five‑year, state-funded fathers program serving men and father-figures of children ages 0–17 was described; staff emphasized flexible scheduling, curricula and community partnerships.
Coalition members heard a detailed presentation on a new fathers-focused prevention program funded by Texas Health and Human Services, which targets fathers and father figures of children ages 0–17 and uses the evidence-based 24/7 DAD curriculum.
The presenter, Gladys (family-support program coordinator), said the program began providing services in November after staff hires and is funded for five years through the state. The program includes education sessions, flexible meeting times to accommodate work schedules, family events and partnerships with other early-childhood programs such as the Family Resource Center and local breastfeeding coalitions.
"This program focuses on 0 to 17," Gladys said, adding that "father figure" can include stepfathers, uncles or grandfathers who take on parenting roles. She described a 12-session AM curriculum and an optional 12-session PM curriculum from the National Fatherhood Initiative and said the program has worked with teen fathers and dads exiting treatment to support re-engagement with their children.
Gladys said the program's goals are to increase protective factors such as family functioning, resiliency, social support and nurturing attachment. She cited examples of small community events already hosted, including a December Posada and a parenting-education graduation held in partnership with TAMIU, and said the program helped fathers participate in milestone events with their children.
The presentation did not include enrollment caps, the program's annual budget, or referral-eligibility detail beyond the target age range; Gladys invited coalition partners to refer fathers and to contact the program for collaboration.
