Reaching Black Adolescent Parents Through Nontraditional Techniques

Despite considerable attention in the literature given to Black adolescent fathers by human service professionals (Hendricks, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983), efforts to document how workers might reach out to them more have been few (Hendricks, 1983). Even less is available on how to reach Black adolescent fathers through nontraditional techniques, for new approaches are needed. As a step toward alleviating this nagging gap in the literature, this chapter utilizes data from studies conducted In Tulsa, Chicago, Columbus, Ohio, and Washington, DC to provide suggestions for reaching out to Black male adolescent parents through nontraditional means. Major issues include but are not limited to the following: (1) needs of Black male adolescent parents; (2) nontraditional techniques for reaching this group of parents; (3) planning the initial assessment meeting, including possible barriers to the process andfactors that contribute to its success; (4) do's and don'ts for helping Black adolescent fathers stay in treatment or in a counseling relationship; and (5) ways young Black fathers may be helpful not only to themselves but also the mothers and their children.