Strong Fathers / Strong Families

The Strong Fathers/Strong Families program is designed to promote responsible fatherhood in incarcerated fathers, and responsible parenting in at-risk families. There is no cost to the family. 

 The program has four main components which involve the entire family:

• Fathers' Group – Incarcerated fathers participate in twelve weekly group sessions learning about the importance of their roles as fathers in the lives of their children. The skills of being a responsible father are taught and practiced.
• Mothers' Group - Mothers participate (before the release of the father) in twelve weekly group sessions learning about responsible parenting, and separation/reunification issues. Parenting skills are taught and practiced.
• Children's Group - Children participate in a support group that helps them deal with separation and reunification issues that arise due to their fathers’ incarceration. Children are encouraged to learn about and express their feelings, learn about self esteem, problem solving, and anger/frustration management.
• In-Home Parenting - Upon the release of the fathers, families wanting to reunify receive a home based continuation of the program’s services, with the addition of case management services to help the family gain and keep stability.

The Strong Fathers/Strong Families program operates in four counties: Martin, St. Lucie Okeechobee and Indian River collectively known as the Treasure Coast.