(Click anywhere on the image above for an exciting update from the NEFC Planning Committee)

NEWS!

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At the core of the NEFC is fellowship, gathering together each year - not only to share information and revitalize ourselves in the work we do in support of fathers, mothers and children, but also to catch up with those we have built relationships with across New England and beyond over the past twenty-plus years, and to make new friends and colleagues for the years ahead.

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Instead of gathering in person this year, the New England Fathering Conference will offer a free Virtual Workshop Series.  Each of the four quarterly sessions will consist of two engaging workshops of the caliber you have come to expect from NEFC.

 
2021 New England Fathering Conference

Virtual Workshop Series: 
 

You can check out a print-friendly list of all the workshops we'll be offering in 2021 by clicking here, or go straight to our Registration Page where you can register yourself for Session II (taking place on June 9th).

All of this year's NEFC workshops are being offered virtually and at no cost, but space is limited and you do need to register in advance.  Information about CEUs for Social Workers is included below the line up.
 

Session I - Wednesday, March 10th (SOLD OUT):

Workshop 1 (9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.): 
Recognizing and Healing the Trauma of Father Absence 
Presented by Doug Edwards

Our children need parents to be at their best. Acknowledging and resolving adverse childhood experiences helps us to set our kids up for success. Our workshop will look at our brains and bodies, examining the effects of trauma to discover the many effective ways to bring about healing.
 

Workshop 2 (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.):

Family Matters-Working with Fathers and Families Impacted by Incarceration

Presented by Richard Claytor and David Mayo

This workshop explores how the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department brings a community-centered approach to working with fathers and their families impacted by incarceration. Utilizing community service providers and a prevention model approach, SCSD Family Matters Program prepares incarcerated men for re-entry in areas of responsible fatherhood and co-parenting.
 

Session II - Wednesday, June 9th: 

[Registration for Session II is NOW OPEN - Click here!]

Workshop 3 (9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.): 

Getting to Yes: Positive Negotiating with Your Parenting Partner

Presented by Stanley N. Bernard and Hyacintha V. Bernard

Successful co-parenting comes from compromise, honest communication, and finding middle ground. This session will use the principled negotiation techniques proposed in the book Getting to Yes to give fathers and service workers insight into finding that middle-ground consensus decision that both parents can live with.
 

Workshop 4 (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): 

Confronting Cyber-addiction: Effective Parenting in the Digital Age

Presented by Jessica Fortunato

This workshop will offer service providers a framework for understanding the risks and impacts of social media and too much screen time on development and well-being.  We will discuss how to effectively share this framework with parents and examine some of the fundamental aspects of human experience compromised by overuse of technology.  Specifically, we will focus on the importance of attention, mindfulness, self-awareness, and resilience. Attendees will learn strategies to empower and equip parents for successfully engaging with their children about the digital landscape and the need for informed and balanced use.

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Session III - Wednesday, September 8th: 
[Save the Date - Registration for Session III will begin in August]

Workshop 5 (9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.):

Comprehensive Understanding of Human Trafficking in our Communities/Country

Presented by Joyce Dixson-Haskett and TeLisa Richardson

Presenters will provide professionals in the health care and social work fields with substantive training regarding the issue of Human Trafficking, and how it relates to their area of practice; and how family members can identify signs that their children may be in danger of being trafficked.

Workshop 6 (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.):

Creative Ways of Dads Promoting Healthy Masculinity in Adolescent Boys!

Presented by Anthony C. Hill

This workshop is designed to equip dads and helping professionals with awareness and strategies to help males learn about healthy masculinity. This will be an interactive workshop and I will display a variety of exercises and popular media such as DVD's and YouTube clips as an educational tool.
 

Session IV - Wednesday, December 8th:

[Save the Date - Registration for Session VI will begin in November]

Workshop 7 (9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.): 

The Manhood Tree

Presented by Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad

The Manhood Tree is an exploration of the four hoods: Boyhood, Brotherhood, Fatherhood and Manhood using the analogy of a tree. The overall goal of the discussion is to allow men to discuss their experiences of transitioning from boyhood through adolescence into manhood, while emphasizing their brotherhood and fatherhood relationships.
 

Workshop 8 (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): 

Effective Fatherhood Group Facilitation Skills

Presented by John O’Neil and Paul N. Melville

With a constantly increasing number of agencies and programs recognizing the importance of supporting dads, there is a corresponding need for professionals who have the tools to effectively engage and support men. We will identify barriers to facilitating father support groups and discuss practical methods for overcoming these challenges.
 

CEUs for Social Workers:

The New England Fathering Conference will be offering free CEUs for each of the eight workshops in their 2021 series (two workshops per session).  Each 1½ hour workshop will be worth 1½ CEU credits .  If you are interested in receiving CEUs, please contact Kevin McKenna at kevin.mckenna@dcyf.ri.gov prior to the event day.  Kevin will provide the necessary instructions for earning CEUs.​

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Summer 2020 Webinar Series

New England Fathering Conference (NEFC) FREE three-part Webinar Series

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In Summer 2020, the New England Fathering Conference (NEFC) delivered a FREE three-part Webinar Series to support Fatherhood professionals around New England and beyond.  All three sessions are now viewable at no cost:

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Part I: Successful Service Delivery for Fathers During Our "New Normal"
took place on Wednesday, July 15th, and is viewable by clicking here. 

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Part II: Back to School in the "New Normal": Supporting Fathers and Families

took place on Wednesday, August 26th, and is viewable by clicking here.

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Part III: Supporting Fathers' Health and Community/Systems Involvement in the "New Normal"

took place on Wednesday, September 23rd, and is viewable by clicking here.

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Newport Marriott

25 America's Cup Avenue Newport, RI 02840

About Our Conference

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The New England Fathering Conference (NEFC) was initiated in Massachusetts in 1999 and was held there annually until the Planning Committee decided to rotate the event around the New England region every two years. We’ve continued hosting successful conferences in Connecticut (2008, 2009 and again in 2016 and 2017), Rhode Island (2010, 2011, 2014 and 2015) and Maine (2012 and 2013), each with 300-400 attendees and presenters from across New England and beyond! We then brought the conference to Springfield Massachusetts for 2018 and 2019, highlighting how our work with fathers supports the legacy they are creating for their children and celebrating our 20th annual event.   In 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 prevented the NEFC from meeting in person, but our work continued.  In 2020, we offered a three-part webinar series for fatherhood professionals and in 2021, we are offering eight workshops at four quarterly sessions to keep folks engaged and looking forward to 2022.