The Georgia Fatherhood Program, created by the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) in 1997, works with Non-custodial parents who owe child support but lack the ability to pay. Georgia’s Fatherhood Program is the largest state-operated fatherhood program in the country. Georgia recognizes that many non-custodial parents want to pay their court-ordered child support, but lack the economic capacity to do so. DCSS has partnered with other government and community agencies to develop a comprehensive network of services focused on assisting this non-custodial parent overcome their barriers to consistent payment of court ordered child support.
- Barriers facing many participants include:
- Lack of a high school diploma
- Criminal Record
- No transportation
- No driver’s license
- Alcohol & substance abuse problems
- Gainful, stable employment
- Mental health issues
Time frames:
Completion of the Fatherhood Program generally takes three to nine months. This program serves both fathers and mothers who are non-custodial parents. Once enrolled, participants are required to pay child support, attend workshops, seek employment and further their education with assistance.
Collaborative Partners
The Georgia Fatherhood Programs establishes collaborative partnerships with many state and local resources, including Child Access and Visitation Programs, the Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement Program, local Technical Colleges and theGeorgia Department of Labor.
Taxpayer Savings
Non-custodial parents are also required to obtain medical insurance through their employer, if available at a reasonable cost, resulting in decreased medical cost to the taxpayer. Employer withholding of support payments eliminates the need for enforcement action. Consistent financial support for custodial parents reduces the need for TANF and other government services.
"Additional Outreach Programs"
Problem Solving Court/Parent Accountability Courts
The Problem Solving Court Program seeks to remove the underlying issues that cause non-custodial parents to become chronic non-payers of child support. Through judicial oversight, Problem Solving Court assists to transition non-custodial parents with barriers to self-sufficiency through parent accountability, employment and education. Services offered through Problem Solving Court include substance abuse treatment, job assistance and placement, short term training, coaching and mentoring, educational services; and Georgia Work Ready as an alternative to incarceration.
Community Outreach Programs
Develop strategic partnerships with corporations, non-profit, clergy, government and educational organizations. These collaborative partnerships are focused on job placement and training for successful placement.
Enhanced Transition Jobs Demonstration
From 2012-2015, DCSS and Goodwill offers an opportunity to participate in a collaborative effort between DHS/Division of Child Support Services/Georgia Fatherhood Program and Goodwill Industries. We offer short-term paid transitional jobs with enhanced supportive services. The Enhanced Transition Jobs Demonstration, “ETJD”, also provides occupational skills training, case management, and job placement and retention services. An initial assessment is provided by Goodwill. Project participants will be randomly assigned by the computer to either a Program group or a Control group. Program group members will receive ETJD special services, while control group members will continue with regular Fatherhood Program services.
For information about the Georgia Fatherhood Services Program and other Outreach Services, contact us at fatherhoodinquiry@dhr.state.ga.us or call 1-877-423-4746 and select option 1 for DCSS, then select 2 for agent and then select 3 for outreach.