mothers with substance abuse or mental health problems to include fathers, because they play a key role in keeping children away from a life of crime, the Youth Crime Alert reported in its May 1999 issue.

Statistics show that fatherless children are more likely to have emotional and behavioural problems, perform poorly in school, be violent, and have illegitimate children themselves.

Because of these findings, the Family Institute, which provides training, technical assistance and materials to home visiting and family support staff nationwide, is revising its programme to include fathers. The programme will include training on involving fathers, male communication styles, father engagement activities and father-child developmental activities.

The overall focus is getting these kids off to a good start,said Barbara Thomas, projects manager at the Family Institute.

DRUGS DGS