Policymakers have called for increased efforts to collect child support payments from noncustodial parents, yet numerous studies reveal that low-income is a substantial obstacle for parents required to pay support. During 2000, the Georgia Fatherhood Program offered life skills and job readiness workshops as well as short and long-term job training for over 2000 noncustodial parents. The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the effectiveness of a statewide program for noncustodial parents on employment and child support payment. First, conference participants will be able to describe demographic characteristics that typify noncustodial fathers who are unable to pay child support in Georgia. Participants will learn that noncustodial parents in the Fatherhood Program are predominantly male (93%), African American (78%), unmarried (80%), and that the average age is 32, in addition to other demographic characteristics. Secondly, participants will be able to identify major barriers fathers face to employment. Barriers discussed in the presentation will include the following: criminal record (53%), lack of driver’s license (30%), and no high school diploma (41%). Thirdly, participants will be able to explain the process Georgia used to develop a statewide program to serve noncustodial parents using community partners, the legal system, and the business community. Finally, participants will be able to interpret outcomes identified through the evaluation process such as child support payment and employment rates of 45% for those participating in the Fatherhood Program. Prior to their enrollment in the program, these noncustodial parents were underemployed or unemployed and not paying child support.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the demographic characteristics of noncustodial parents in the Georgia Fatherhood Program. 2. List 5 major employment obstacles for noncustodial parents in the Georgia Fatherhood Program 3. Interpret outcomes identified through the program evaluation process.
Keywords: Low-Income, Outcomes Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Georgia State University has contracted with the Georgia Department of Human Resources to provide evaluation of the Georgia Fatherhood Program as well as research (DHR Contract #427-93-02243).