This initiative is part of our commitment to creating safe, strong families and communities by providing essential support to fathers who may be at risk of, or are currently engaging in, abusive or neglectful parenting behaviours.
What is Caring Dads?
Caring Dads is an internationally recognised, evidence-based intervention program aimed at improving the parenting skills of fathers while addressing abusive behaviours. Developed in Canada by Dr. Katreena Scott, the program focuses on educating fathers about the impact of their behaviour on their children and partners, helping them to foster healthier family relationships. Kids First Australia holds the only license in Victoria to deliver this unique program, in partnership with Changing Ways and Family Safety Victoria.
Why Hume Merri-bek?
Both the Hume and Merri-bek regions have seen high and persistent levels of family violence, with over 3,600 family incidents reported in Hume last year and numbers fluctuating between 1,800 to 2,000 incidents annually over the past five years.
The expansion of Caring Dads into these areas is a targeted response to this ongoing challenge. By offering fathers support before they come to the attention of the justice system, we can address harmful behaviour early and help prevent long-term harm to children and young people.
Kids First’s Proven Success
Kids First Australia has been running the Caring Dads program in Victoria since 2017, with outstanding results. Over 270 men have completed the program, with significant improvements in their parenting, relationships, and family dynamics. Feedback from mothers and children has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting reduced violence and increased fatherly involvement after they've completed the program.
By working together, we can help fathers change their behaviours, create safer homes, and build brighter futures for children and families across the region.