Fatherhood Initiative

The Fatherhood Initiative centers the experiences and role that fathers play in the healthy development of their children and families through direct services and systems change.

Fatherhood Initiative

Program Information

Established in 2012, the Fatherhood Initiative centers the experiences and role that fathers and father-figures play in the healthy development of their children and families. Within the Maternal, Paternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MPCAH) system of care, the Fatherhood Initiative aims to strengthen, coordinate, and contribute to the growing fatherhood services field across Alameda County.

The Fatherhood Initiative promotes responsible fatherhood and healthy relationships through father-focused parent education, skill building and connection to community resources. The Fatherhood Initiative is part of the Alameda County Starting Out Strong system of care, which is focused on serving mothers and fathers with young children. It provides father-centered case management, care coordination and parent education groups for fathers while maintaining a consistent community presence through community events, health fairs and street outreach. The Fatherhood team reflects the fathers and community we serve through lived experience, breaking generational cycles and resilience.

Alameda County Fatherhood Initiative has a regional, statewide and national presence. As a co-founding partner of Alameda County Fathers Corps, part of the coordinated approach is to guide local organizations in effectively serving fathers and father-figures through the Father Friendly Principles implementation. Additionally, Fatherhood Initiative is an active partner of the California Fatherhood Council and National Head Start Association.

The goals of the Fatherhood Initiative are to improve the quality of life for Alameda County children, families, and communities by:

  • Promoting responsible fatherhood by providing male-centered, skill-based parenting education.
  • Providing case management and specialized support groups.
  • Increasing men’s access and use of local health care and wraparound services.
  • Strengthening and enhancing existing services through capacity building, training, and health promotion campaigns.

Services

  • Father/father-figure Engagement, Health Promotion and Intake Assessment (Outreach)
  • Case Management
  • Care Coordination
  • Group Health Education: Café Dad, Boot Camp for New Dads

Eligibility

Alameda County fathers and father-figures who are any combination of the following:

  • Expecting a baby (partner is pregnant)
  • Fathers of a newborn, toddler or preschooler (Birth to 5 years)
  • Single Fathers
  • Co-parenting fathers (living together or living apart)
  • Non-custodial fathers (those living away from their child, whether involved in family court or not)
  • Fathers re-entering the family and community from incarceration

How to Enroll

Getting started is easy:
Complete the Confidential Referral Form online.
Have questions or need help with enrollment? Call (510) 667-4333 – our team is happy to assist you.

A smiling person gives a child a piggyback ride in front of a building with "560 BUSHROD COMMUNITY" visible above red doors.Contact Us

Fatherhood Initiative
Ignacio Ferrey, MPH, MA
Fatherhood and Adolescent Services Director
Ignacio.Ferrey2@acgov.org
(510) 267-3226
Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
1100 San Leandro Blvd., Suite 200
San Leandro, CA 94577
Fatherhood Initiative Email: ACFatherhood@acgov.org