On a Wednesday afternoon last month, 19 men gathered in a courtroom inside Dorchester District Court on Washington Street. Some of them had been here before under more difficult circumstances. This time, they were joined by their children and families to enjoy a happier milestone: graduation from the Dorchester Fatherhood program.
Facilitated by Assistant Chief Probation Officer Vanthomas Straughter and Probation Officer II Cyril Juandoo of the Dorchester District Court Probation Department, the 12 week program targets court-involved fathers and hopes to improve and build their connection with their children and families. The program has two active cycles a year, one beginning in the spring, and the other beginning in the fall.
Over 2,500 fathers have graduated from such court-based programs statewide since the first one was introduced in 1994 by then Chief Probation Officer Thomas Mitchell and Training Director Stephen Bocko in Norfolk County.
The Dorchester Fatherhood Program was launched in 1998 and is one of the oldest of the 20 programs across the state. They have worked with 300 participants with ages ranging from 18 to the late 50s.
The fathers only get out of the experience what they are willing put in, says Straughter.
“We try and talk about things that are relevant to them. And we discuss why it’s important for them to put themselves first,” Straughter said. “We’re asking them to question things and not just accept them, and also to stop and recognize, ‘Is this acceptable for me?’”
In a statement, Probation Commissioner Edward J. Dolan said the program is an important tool.
“Fatherhood Programs benefit the community and reconnects fathers to their children,” said Dolan. “By participating, fathers enhance pro-social behaviors, problem-solving and communications skills. This promotes law-abiding behavior that contributes to public safety.”
The workshops are based on the “Five Principles of Fatherhood,” which use as their premise: “As a father it is my responsibility to: 1) Give affection to my children; 2) Give gentle guidance to my children; 3) Provide financial support to my children and the mother of my children; 4) Demonstrate respect at all times to the mother of my children; and 5) Set a proud example for my children by living within the law and without the taint of alcohol/drug abuse”.
Craig Charlton, 40, was one of the graduates.
“I learned how to take certain situations differently. Both facilitators were also very helpful, showing up on time every day and staying committed,” said Charlton, who said he learned from the other fathers as well.
“They help a lot because you find out what they’re going through and it helps you if you’re going through things too. You learn from their mistakes and accomplishments, and you apply that to your daily life.”
At the Dorchester Fatherhood Program, participants are frequently reminded that, “your CORI is your resume.” According to Officer Straughter, his priority is to help the fathers understand that all they can control are their actions and decisions, and that by making good, lawful decisions they can stay out of the criminal justice system and be a positive presence and influence for their children.
