Single fathers, who are head of household, are the fastest-growing family unit in the United States. The number of single father that are head of household has more than doubled in the last twenty years. In Ohio, there are nearly 100,000 single fathers raising at least one child under the age of eighteen, with 9,000 in Summit County alone. Our mentoring program is offered primarily to men who are involved in the case plan of the local children's protective services organization. They are at the most critical stage of fathering/parenting in the community. Most of the men are facing challenges of gaining employment, housing and need to focus heavily on personal development and any substance abuse issues so that they can comply with the families' case plan. They report to a mentor at least twice a week to get help at focusing on their goals and document their process. Our mentors utilize a collective case management approach by working with faith based, government and social services agencies that are involved in the clients' support system.
Advocacy
Our target group of fathers includes single fathers, low-income,
non-custodial dads, and at-risk young men. Many of the men are
suffering economic hardship but have the desire to shoulder the
responsibility of joint or even full custody. We assistance clients
with understanding the process of navigating through the legal
system and obtaining competent legal representation to get the
process started.
This aids fathers in their quests for increased custody, increased visitation, and child support modifications. Using a collective case management model we work with the U.S. department of Justice Affairs, Domestic Relation Court, and the local Child Support Enforcement Agency and receive some Pro Bona from a well known local law firm to get the best possible solution to help the father goals.
Transportation
The lack of reliable transportation to and from the job custody
hearings, court appointment and fathering /parenting classes is a
major barrier for low-income fathers in our area. These services
are primarily on men who are involved in the case plan of the local
children's protective services organization. They are at the most
critical stage of fathering/parenting in the community.
Communication
The ability to send and receive effective communication in a
timely manner is essential to getting and maintaining employment,
complying with case plans and keeping up with and scheduling
appointments. We walk the through the step of establishing a free
e-mail account, free cell phone, provide them with free fax and
document scanning service.