Windows on opportunities: An exploration in program development for Black adolescent fathers.
Item
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Title
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Windows on opportunities: An exploration in program development for Black adolescent fathers.
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Identifier
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AAI9009784
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identifier
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9009784
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Creator
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Smith, Linda Anderson.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Irwin Epstein
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Date
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1989
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work
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Abstract
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In spite of the declining rate of adolescent pregnancy in the Black community, a disproportionate number of Black adolescents continue to become parents. With a few notable exceptions, both public social welfare institutions and the voluntary sector have excluded Black adolescent fathers from programs for pregnant and parenting teens.;This is an exploratory research project. The primary purposes of this project were (1) to increase knowledge of the life circumstances of Black adolescent fathers and (2) to use that knowledge to assist in the process of developing a social service program for this population. Methodological triangulation and data triangulation were used to obtain a multi-layered perspective of fathers and programs that serve them. Data sources included a core group of nine low S.E.S., Black unwed adolescent fathers, seven fathers who were seen sporadically, adolescent mothers, policy-makers, community members, service providers, and the family and friends of fathers participating in the study.;The major program intervention of the project was to introduce participating fathers to unfamiliar vocational options. This was based on the theory that there is a correlation between lack of awareness of life options and adolescent parenthood. In addition, a fathers' discussion group was formed at the request of participants in the study.;The program development phase of the study was evaluated according to the effort, effectiveness and efficiency of each phase of program development. Data obtained through ethnographic techniques were analyzed for recurring themes and trends.;Some of the major conclusions drawn from the study were that adolescent fatherhood increases socio-economic vulnerability and this increased vulnerability must be recognized on national policy level; that part of the difficulty in engaging Black adolescent fathers stems from ambivalence and hostility on the part of service providers and the Black as well as white communities; that programs for Black adolescent fathers should address the issue of alternative life options through exposure and technological training; and that fatherhood can have a profound psychological impact on young Black males which may call for supportive counseling and/or mutual aid groups.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
