You don’t have to be a biological father to play the role of dad. Speaking on WFSU’s Public Affairs Program, Perspectives, Jack Levine shares the ways men can have an impactful role on children. He’s the founder of the Four Generations Institute.
“Dadhood is a different concept. Dadhood, in my mind, is about responsibility, about being present, and being active in the nurturance of the child. And that does not have to be a biological connection. And that’s what’s magic about the adoption conversation and about the mentoring conversation,” Levine says.
Levine says about 43 percent of children are not living with an adult male in their household. He adds the community should take this opportunity to highlight the chance to have positive male role models in the lives of children.
One event taking place at Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee this weekend includes organizations from five counties across North Florida.
“And this is a multi-agency effort. Department of Children and Families, the local Big Bend Community Based Care, One Church One Child. And the message really is unification through adoption. And we’re very, very pleased with how the community has embraced the needs of the children who really need a warm heart and an open door and a forever home, a forever family,” Levine says.
Levine stresses the importance of community involvement to help bring dads back to the family.