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Tool Time for Dads – Ringgold County
Staff Involved: Judy Hensley, Joyce Lash and Donna Donald

Problem:
Research indicates dads make a difference in how children develop. Non-custodial dads face special challenges. There are no direct support services for divorced parents of children in Ringgold County. More specifically there are no services for the non-custodial parents, who are primarily male.

Response:
The Tool Time for Dads project was funded through a DHS Parental Obligation Pilot Project grant with money appropriated by the Iowa Legislature. The project began with a public awareness campaign. Major efforts included: satellite downlink, news series, promotion of Me and My Dad web site, Me and My Dad display at businesses and community events, and church bulletin insert for Father’s Day.

The bi-monthly workshops for dads (Wednesday Workshop – Tool Time for Dads) were held twice a month from January through May. The workshops began with an evening meal followed by a one-hour class. All of the workshops had male facilitators or male/female team facilitators. Topics included were: parenting responsibilities, communication, visitation concerns, legal issues, financial support, health care, and nutrition. Incentives were used to reward participation and reinforce involvement with children. Dads tracked time bi-monthly spent with children and financial activity in a personal log book. Dads received a “work tool” when they turned in their log books at each workshop. At the conclusion of each workshop, dads received a “family tool” (games, books, etc.) to use with their children.

Impact:
During the course of the 10 workshops, seven dads (13 children) participated. A bowling party and fishing evening were special events which the dads and children enjoyed together.

Evaluation results relating to the project objectives are as follows:

  • 80% adopted one or more parenting practices.
  • 80% maintained or improved frequency of visits.
  • 80% maintained or improved level of financial support of their children.

A confidence level was developed by those who attended on a regular basis. They would discuss family concerns and share ideas to strengthen their parenting skills. A dad who had been divorced for 10 years began making nightly phone calls to his children. Another dad made contact with his five-year-old child who he had not seen for about a year.

Comments from dads:

  • “We get along even better and do more things plus we decide more on everything together.”
  • “It is a very good program. I think that every dad should try it. You learn about a lot of things. Dads are just as good as moms. They’re your children. You have to be good when it comes to your children. They are all you got in life.”
  • “You have to get along with the other parent to be able to be involved with the kids growing up.”
  • “I learned that kids who have dads that spend time with them grow up with a lot more responsibility.”

Contact:
Donna K. Donald
Family Life Field Specialist
Iowa State University Extension
309 North Main, Leon, IA 50144
Phone 641-446-4723; Fax: 641-446-6142
Email ddonald@iastate.edu

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Last update: January 31, 2007 
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