Doug Edwards is a family services consultant who has designed and facilitated programs for thousands of family workers and men and women in hundreds of groups for over 25 years. He has consulted with Connecticut State agencies, schools, non-profit human services agencies, and family development centers across New England. He is a Certified Family Development Credential Trainer and facilitator of Circle of Security, the Parent Leadership Training Institute, and Positive Parenting programs. He has been trained and holds certificates as a Pastoral Counseling and Care Specialist, high-conflict Family Mediation, and Men’s Trauma and Recovery. Doug is the founder and Director of Real Dads Forever, a Fatherhood Strategies Development organization. He is on the advisory boards of Prevent Child Abuse America CT, ECHN Family Development Center, and the Maternal Child Health Coalition. He is also a board member of Integrated Health Services and the CT Association for Infant Mental Health.

Workshop Title: Fatherhood and Prevention: From Conception to Forever

Description: Fathers are a social and emotional resource for Moms, children, and communities. Good fathering includes healthy relationships that enhance prevention. We will look back and start from early childhood to trace the preventive elements of fathering along with the skills and assets family men bring to the lives of children. We look forward to finding ways to address unconscious bias about family men while highlighting the value of fatherhood in your work. Together, we’ll have a lively interactive conversation using a multi-sensual approach, with research, music, photos, and videos.