Family & Corrections Network

Georgia Fatherhood Program Interagency Partnerships

Since 1998 when the Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) entered into a partnership with the Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Support Enforcement (CSE) to provide services under the Georgia Fatherhood Program (GFP), state agencies have approached DTAE as a potential partner in other endeavors.

State Board of Pardons and Paroles
We have finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with DHR and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to pilot the Fatherhood Program for Parolees (FPP). Recognizing the success of a comprehensive delivery system of education, training and job placement for non-custodial parents, Pardons and Paroles desires to utilize the Georgia Fatherhood Program for non-custodial parents on parole.

Department of Labor
The Department of Labor (DOL) continues to be an important partner in the Georgia Fatherhood Program. Collaboration with local DOL field offices assists DTAE in the placement and retention of GFP participants in the labor market. Working with members of the Georgia Employer Committee enables GF Coordinators to keep apprised of employment opportunities and trends, both locally and statewide. As the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) becomes fully implemented in Georgia, the increased funding sources for training and placement will enable the Georgia Fatherhood program to reach its stated goals.

Department of Corrections
The redirection of state funds during the past several years impacted state agencies in many ways. While the Department of Corrections (DOC) continued in its mission to maintain the public safety by providing safe and secure correctional facilities, severe budget cuts were realized in the areas of education and vocational training. The Georgia Fatherhood Program is currently providing life skills and survival skills training to those inmates who meet the GFP criteria and who will be eligible for paroles or release within six to nine months.

Department of Community Affairs
The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is in the midst of a three-year pilot called the ?Next Step Program? which is directed toward the homeless population in the State. Working with fourteen organizations statewide, DCA provides housing assistance and support services to those citizens in need. The Division of Housing Finance in DCA provides housing assistance in the form of low interest loans and housing subsidies. They have realized that many of their clients are custodial parents with children who are in need of receiving court-ordered child support payments in order to provide for their families. We have begun conversations with DCA to inform them of the provisions and benefits offered by the Georgia Fatherhood Program and to determine those areas in which collaboration could strengthen both programs.

Contact: Georgia Fatherhood Program, Johnnathan R. Ward, Coordinator, 1800 Century Place, Suite 400, Atlanta, Georgia 30345-4304, 404/679-0511, 404/679-1675 Fax, jward@dtae.org.