A scientifically based training program for fathers.

Fathers are as influential as mothers in child development. In spite of this fact, programs only for fathers are almost non-existent, both in Turkey and worldwide. However, in child development, fathers too feel the need for support, and when relevant programs are offered, they are able to make positive changes in both themselves, and their close environment. The Father Support Program (FSP) enables fathers to be better informed about child development and education, to put this information into practice, to improve their communication with their children, spouses and social circle, and to adopt a more democratic attitude.

What is the Father Support Program ?
The Father Support Program is a scientifically based training program developed in Turkey so that fathers play a more effective and positive role in the development of their children. Participating fathers are provided with training that increases their level of knowledge on child development, furnishes them with communication skills, and consequently causes them to adopt a more democratic attitude.

Who does the Father Support Program Target ?
The Father Support Program primarily targets literate fathers who have children between the ages of 2 to 10.

How is the Father Support Program implemented ?
The Father Support Program was planned as 13 three-hour sessions conducted in a group setting. Volunteer educators and social workers trained through ACEV-organized seminars implement the courses that follow a participatory model of education. Fathers are encouraged to share their experiences with the group, and they try to find solutions to their problems as a group. In the Father Support Program, classes are limited to 15 participants.

The program is implemented by volunteer teachers or guidance counselors contacted within the framework of the collaboration established with the Ministry of National Education, and generally at the elementary schools these teachers work at. In addition, within the context of the collaboration struck with the Social Services and Child Protection Agency, implementation also occurs at the Community Centers where the social workers work.

What is the content of the Father Support Program ?
Topics such as the father's role, importance, and impact on the child, family attitudes, acceptance of the child's behavior and active listening, ‘I' language, positive discipline techniques, conflict resolution methods, developmental characteristics of the child, the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of the child, the importance of reading to the child, time spent together with the child, and playing with the child make up the content of the Father Support Program.

How to apply to the Father Support Program:
Any literate father who has a child between 2 to 10 years of age can participate in the totally free-of-charge Father Support Program. The program is also offered, for a fee, to employees of institutions in the private sector, and parents in private schools.

How was the Father Support Program Developed ?
Prepared in line with the demands of the mothers participating in the Mother Child Support Program, it was developed by ACEV experts Kadir Akbulut, Ercin Kimmet and Serkan Kahyaoglu in 1996 with Prof. Dr. Sevda Bekman and Prof. Dr. Cigdem Kagitcibasi acting as consultants; implementation began in 1997 and is ongoing.

FATHER AWARENESS SEMINARS
With the aim of reaching larger audiences and raising sensitivity to the issue through emphasizing the importance of the father in child development, short-term seminars were also developed. These shorter seminars aim to enable the participants to utilize democratic methods when communicating with their children and spouses.