The awarded consultant will be responsible for enhancing father engagement, ensuring access to services, and fostering positive father-child relationships. 1. Father Engagement Specialist: • Consultant must employ at least one (1) qualified Father Engagement Specialist, pursuant to section 409.988(1)(n)1.c., F.S. within sixty (60) calendar days of contract execution. • Prioritize hiring individuals with lived experience similar to the fathers being served. • Responsibilities of the Father Engagement Specialist shall include: o Building relationships with fathers. o Identifying fathers' needs and connecting them with resources. o Assisting fathers in accessing appropriate services. o Communicating to FIP challenges and service barriers fathers encounter. • The Father Engagement Specialists shall mentor at least fifteen (15) fathers in each contract year. 2. Action Plan Development and Implementation: • Within thirty (30) days of contract execution, the provider shall create and submit an action plan for addressing the needs of fathers of children being serviced by FIP. • Integrate services with providers receiving grants through the The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative | Florida DCF. • Implement the action plan and provide ongoing monitoring and updates to FIP. 3. Service Delivery and Support: • Conduct an initial assessment of local father engagement resources and service provision, within sixty (60) calendar days of contract execution. • Provide ongoing services to fathers, including referrals, support, and advocacy. • Provide direct support and advocacy for fathers to improve engagement with their children. • Facilitate group workshops, individual counseling, and peer support networks. • Establish referral pathways for fathers requiring additional services such as employment assistance, parenting education, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling. • Coordinate with community organizations to expand available services and resources. 4. Required Reporting: • Submit to FIP a monthly report on the fathers mentored and the referred services. • Submit an annual report to FIP pursuant to section 409.997, F.S., by July 30th of each contract year. • The annual report must include: o A summary of efforts provided to meet the needs of fathers. o Outcomes related to fostering positive and stable father-child relationships. o The number and types of services accessed by fathers. o Identified challenges and recommendations for service improvements.
