Single father households are the fastest growing family unit in the United States. The number of single father households 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 Childrens Proctective Serviecs. We strive to assist these fathers in this most critical phase of their parenting. Most of the men face normal challenges including, but not limited to, gaining employment, housing, and transportation. Many also have the added burden of substance abuse issues. These fathers have to focus not only on finding employment, obtaining suitable housing, but also personal growth. Fathers and Sons helps these fathers by assigning a mentor to them. They report to a mentor at least twice a week to get help focusing on their goals. Their progress is documented. 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 includes single fathers, low-income, non-custodial
father, and at-risk young men. Many of the men are suffering
economic hardship but have the desire to be a good parent.
Here at Fathers and Sons we assist clients with the
difficult process of navigating through the legal system, and
obtaining competent legal representation to get the process
started.
In addition to custody we also assist fathers in their quest for increased custody, increased visitation, and child support modifications. Using a collective case management model which includes work with the U.S. Department of Justice Affairs, Domestic Relation Court, and the local Child Support Enforcement Agency. We also receive some Pro Bona from a well known local law firm to get the best possible solution to help our fathers become active role models for their children.
Transportation
Men who are involved with Children and Family Services often
have custody hearings, court appointments, and fathering
/parenting classes, to attend. One major barrier of this is
reliable transportation. We here at Fathers and Sons
understand this and provide
transportation. Transportation can also be a barrier to a
productive job. We also assist fathers in getting to
work. Again these men are most at risk of failing during
the most critical stage of fathering/parenting. We do all we
can to help in this way.
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 scheduling appointments.
We walk the through the step of establishing an e-mail account,
free cell phone. We also provide them with free fax and document
scanning service.