2013 Vermont Fatherhood Conference 

Fathers Make a Difference!

This FREE conference, held at the Statehouse in Montpelier, will feature workshops, a group discussion and a keynote address exploring how important responsible fathering is for children and for families.

This year's keynote speaker is Gale Burford, PhD, MSW, Professor of Social Work and Director of the Child Welfare Training Partnership at the University of Vermont. Gale has experience as a foster and group home parent, a social work practitioner and as a supervisor, manager and senior administrator in services for children, young people and their families. Gale has experience as a group and family therapist and as a consultant and trainer with programs for children and young people internationally. His research has focused on child and youth care, family engagement and restorative practice.

Here is the conference schedule:
9:00-9:20 am          Registration
9:20-9:30 am          Welcome Address with Dave Yacovone, Commissioner for the Vermont DCF
9:30-10:00 am        Keynote Address with Dr. Gale Burford, UVM Professor of Social Work
10:00-10:30 am     Dad Panel - a video presentation and facilitated discussion with dads
10:30-10:45 am     Break
1045-12:00 pm      Workshops (listed below)
12:00-12:45 pm     Lunch (is provided)
12:45-2:45 pm        World Cafe with Mike Mrowicki, State Legislator
2:45-3:00 pm          Closing Remarks with Mike Mrowicki, State Legislator

The world cafe is an opportunity for all conference participants to engage in small group discussions around a single topic. The topic for this year's World Cafe is Responsible Fathering.

This conference is presented by The Vermont Fatherhood initiative, a group of volunteers inspired by the cause of nurturing the responsible involvement of fathers with their children and their families. Our goals include connecting father services throughout the state, raising awareness regarding the importance of fathers in the lives of their children, and identifying best practice when working with fathers by recognizing institutional bias and emphasizing the value of using a "father friendly" approach.

Space is limited to 150 participants.

Register today by clicking on the button below.

Register Now! 

Workshops:
Here is the current list of workshops that will be offered during the event. Please check back periodically as more workshops are added.

Engaging Dads
Presented by Josh Edelbaum and Victoria Priganc (VNA)
This workshop is an open dialogue to discuss strategies for engaging dads. Successes and challenges of the VT Dads as Parents, Partners and Providers program will be discussed and some dad voices will be heard.

OCS 101
Presented by Douglas Denniston and Tom Rotella (OCS)
This workshop will provide an overview of the services provided by the Office of Child Support to parents and the interaction between OCA and the Family Courts, as well as a discussion of the pilot program Work 4 Kids.

But Dad
Presented by Gretchen Gross and Patricia Livingstone
Join us for an entertaining and informative workshop on the unique challenges facing single dads raising tween and teen daughters.

Fathers and the Boy Code Problem
Presented by Dr. Larry Shelton (UVM)
Boys in our society have to deal with "The Boy Code" as we grow up. Don't cry, be strong, always know what you're doing, be in charge, don't let anyone tell you what to do! How do those rules help us be good fathers? How do they get in our way? What can we do about them? This interactive workshop will explore these questions and more.

The Nurturing Father's Program
Presented by Dr. Steven Ness (Prevent Child Abuse VT)
There is a new paradigm for fathering. It involves a shift from the older model of the distant, unavailable male parent who is the "provider" to an involved father who is emotionally and physically present. Join us in this discussion.

Big Wheels and Sandboxes
Presented by David Binham
How to be a dad and play like a kid. The emphasis of our time will be on child interaction/child development. Have fun while making an impact on your child's life.

Fahterhood and Intimate Partner Violence - The Stark Reality
Presented by Meg Kuhner
The basic dynamics of domestic violence and its effects on fathering will be discussed. I will also describe a program developed by a collaborative group in Washington County intended to address this probelm, and why we think this unique approach to parenting classes is so necessary.

Wonders and Worries of the Developing Teen Brain: Powerful Knowledge for Dynamic Dads
Presented by Deb Witkus (Greater Falls Prevention Coalition)
Adolescence is an amazing time of development. We will look at this fascinating process by taking a glimpse into the maturing teen brain. We will talk about how these brain-changes can create wonderful opportunities for growth as well as result in some conflict. Also, we will discuss how vulnerable the teen brain is to substances and what you can do to protect your kids.