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Northwestern and Southwestern PA - Rural Fathers Listening Session

Writer's picture: Allegheny Family NetworkAllegheny Family Network



The purpose of the Rural Fathers Listening Session was to understand the people, assets, and challenges of rural communities and identify ways to increase father involvement with families living in rural Pennsylvania and surrounding communities. These sessions provided an opportunity for parents and providers to share their experiences, concerns, and recommendations.

These facilitated discussions aimed to address four key learning questions:


  1. How does living in Pennsylvania’s rural and surrounding communities affect the human services experience of fathers?


  2. How does living in Pennsylvania’s rural and surrounding communities affect parenting?


  3. How does working in Pennsylvania’s rural and surrounding communities affect providers who serve fathers and parents?


  4. What are the best ways to communicate with and involve fathers living in Pennsylvania’s rural and surrounding communities?


Many issues were discussed during the listening sessions including several fathers, fatherhood service providers, and mothers. Fathers discussed accessing and using parenting and community resources, co-parenting challenges, obtaining 50/50 custody, and navigating the legal system. Mothers described the lack of resources and support for parents in rural communities and the stigma associated with receiving assistance. Fatherhood service providers discussed the barriers to adequately supporting fathers and ways to address them.


The Office of the Administration for Children & Families, Office of Regional Operations, Region 3 will report the findings from listening sessions across the state in a qualitative summary, which will be published in the fall of 2024.









Learn More about "PGH DADS" an Allegheny Family Network initiative connecting fathers with fathers.



Contact the Father Services Supervisor, Marcus Williams at 412-438-6119

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Allegheny Family Network Parent Support Line

1-888-273-2361

Parent Support Line offers a well-trained and experienced Family Support Partner with personal experience raising a child with behavioral issues who can help with connections to community services, negotiating different systems, or emotional support.  The families can also call to request a face-to-face one-on-one Family Support Partner through the Parent Support Line. Parent Support Line hours of operation are 9:00 am—4:30 pm Monday through Friday.  Calls received after hours will have the option of leaving a message and will receive a call back on the next business day. 

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* Parent Support Line is not a crisis line.  The Parent Support Line is a support line and referral service.  In the event of a crisis—AFN staff will refer callers to emergency support services such as 911 or Resolve Crisis Network. 

Allegheny Family Network

1501 Reedsdale Street Suite 2007  Pittsburgh, PA 15233  

EIN: 20-2080261 | Phone: 412-246-2030 | Fax: 412-246-0994

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