Fatherhood Responsibility Program
The Fatherhood Responsibility Program is an innovative effort to strengthen families by assisting the fathers of economically disadvantaged children. The Program helps fathers find and keep living wage jobs, increase their involvment with their children, and manage their child support obligations. Participants in the program receive:
Career Counseling Services including job search and job placement assistance; training in job readienss and workplace expectations; occupational skills training in some instances; employment retention and career planning services for up to two years.
Fatherhood Development Workshops designed to deepen the men's relationships with their children by addressing issues of responsibile fatherhood, visitation and custody. Weekly workshops led by trained facilitators focus on personal development, life skills, parenting skills, interpersonal relationship skills, and more.
Individualized Case Management including information and assistance navigating the family court system; help developing managable support orders; and referral to other support services such as adult basic education, AODA and mental health counseling, housing, and more.
With many of the services provided in a group setting, participants also benefit from a mutually beneficial peer-support system where they learn from each other and push each other to overcome their obstacles.
Major financial contributors to the Fatherhood Responsibility Program including Dane County Human Services, United Way of Dane County, City of Madison Office of Community Services, First Baptist Church, and contributions from individuals and local businesses.