ID 76914566 © Deborah Lee Rossiter | Dreamstime.com

By Cam Lee

Caring Dads program

NEOSS looks to stem the tide of abuse with Caring Dads program

Jan 21, 2026 | 4:05 PM

North East Outreach and Support Services (NEOSS) is offering a new program that is designed for men looking to build healthier relationships with their children.

The “Caring Dads” program begins on Jan. 27.

In a news release, NEOSS stated that it is “specifically for men who have abused or neglected their children or exposed them to abuse of their mothers. It is designed to help fathers learn practical skills to recognize unhealthy, hurtful, abusive fathering behaviours and how to make positive change.”

Outreach Manager Tracey Zwozdesky told northeastNOW the free program runs for 17 weeks and is two hours, once per week.

“It helps the fathers develop skills to cope in healthy ways with frustrating situations,” Zwozdesky said.

Four years of war

Carney pledges $2 billion for Ukraine, more sanctions four years after invasion

1h ago

Cartel violence

WestJet, Air Canada among Canadian airlines resuming service to Mexico

1h ago

Mustangs have won eight straight games

Melfort Mustangs look to stay hot as they host Weyburn

1h ago

The program also helps fathers better connect with their children and improve relationships.

“It helps them to recognize those unhealthy and hurtful behaviours and how to change those behaviours, and how to be child-centred in their fathering.”

Zwozdesky said NEOSS staff took Safe and Together training last year, and that’s where they learned about Caring Dads. Five staff members got the training needed to run the program in Melfort and Nipawin.

People can self-refer for the program by contacting Zwozdesky directly at NEOSS. Organizations like Social Services, the RCMP, school divisions, the justice system, and others can also refer someone to the program.

Zwozdesky said while the program is geared toward fathers who have abused or neglected their children or exposed them to abuse, it is good for any dad who wants to learn how to build a better relationship with their children.

“Even men that haven’t had abusive behaviours in the past towards their spouse or their children can learn how to help build those relationships and eliminate barriers to those healthy relationships with their children,” Zwozdesky said.

In the news release, NEOSS said the program was launched “in light of two recent violent acts against children in both Melfort and Prince Albert resulting in death or severe harm.” A man was charged with second-degree murder in the death of a young child in Melfort over the holiday season, and the case is still in the courts.

–

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com