Only 18 percent of child support cases in Maryland were fully paid during fiscal year 1999. This report describes the importance of child support to child well-being and proposes several policy changes that will improve compliance with support orders. One of the primary reasons for failure to pay is that some fathers, especially African American men, lack income because they are unemployed or underemployed. Existing programs intended to help low-income fathers have not been effective in engaging men. The report recommends a comprehensive strategy that provides employment services as well as…
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Journal Article Children born out of wedlock often suffer due to infrequent and limited interaction with the noncustodial parent. To address this issue, programs have been developed at the federal and state level to improve the access of noncustodial parents (primarily fathers) to their natural children. This article describes an access and visitation program that facilitates the creation of agreements between noncustodial and custodial parents. Findings from a six month demonstration in two counties in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia are reported. In total, more than 100 noncustodial parents participated in…
This book analyzes how the absence of African American fathers affects their children, their relationships, and society as a whole, while countering the notion that father absence and family fragmentation within the African American community is inevitable. It begins by offering possible explanations for the decline in marriage among African American families, including the limited economic prospects of many men who live in the inner city that impacts their ability to provide for a family. The book then considers marriage from an economic perspective, emphasizing that it is a wealth-producing…
This resource for early childhood programs describes strategies for involving men in the care and education of young children. Based on a study of exemplary programs, the text outlines a process that promotes systemic change by welcoming men, engaging them in the program, planning activities specifically for men, and encouraging continued participation. Program planners are advised to assess the needs of men, conduct outreach activities, and evaluate program achievement. Suggested projects include ice breakers, men's groups, parenting skill training, family events, and recognition programs.…
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 strengthened the enforcement of child support orders through requirements for paternity establishment, uniform state laws, centralized state collection and disbursement offices, penalties for delinquent child support, and model programs to promote visitation. State Child Support Enforcement Programs and local agencies are available to help parents initiate and comply with support orders. This guide explains how the enforcement program can assist with locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, setting-up…
Most of the two million people in prison in the United States have children and families in the community. Although family members of prisoners face emotional and economic crises related to separation, there are few resources to support them. Community members can alleviate the loss felt by children and reduce risks associated with trauma related to parental incarceration. This guide suggests strategies for meeting the needs of these families. The approach focuses on promoting family relationships, skills, and faith. All aspects of the planning process are outlined, including collaboration,…
This book contains expanded version of papers presented at the Natcher Center of the National Institutes of Health in January 2002. The papers address the consequences of imprisonment and reentry for individual prisoners, their families, and the communities to which these prisoners return. Preceded by an introductory chapter outlining current data on prisoners and their children and families, Part 1 examines the impact of prison itself. It examines the psychological impact of imprisonment, the experiences of women prisoners, and the ability of prison programs to improve the ability of…
A survey of the fifty States and the District of Columbia on fatherhood initiatives identified 31 commissions, initiatives, and programs, 3 of which were inactive. This report provides a State-by-State profile of the different initiatives. The profiles include information on the development of the program, the mission, duties and responsibilities, meetings and reporting requirements, agency contact, and activities to date. Findings from the survey indicate several States reported that administration and implementation of all, or at least part, of their fatherhood activities were contracted to…
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Journal Article Despite research that substantiates the importance of father involvement in children's lives, family-centered child welfare services continue to be oriented toward the child's mother. This newsletter from the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice explains how child welfare services can engage fathers in the lives of their children. The articles suggest strategies such as family conferencing, support services, and outreach to fathers in prison or on parole. The findings from research about the positive and negative aspects of father involvement are discussed.…
Fathers continue to have an important role in child development, despite the changes in family structure that have occurred in recent years. This book provides a psychoanalytic perspective of fatherhood and concludes that children and their mothers need the care and support of fathers. Written by practitioners and academicians, the chapters apply psychoanalytic theory and discuss clinical considerations about father development, the role of grandfathers, missing fathers, adoptive fathers, and sexual identity development. The effects of loss on children also are addressed. The text explores…
