Helping fathers reconnect with their families

Career Resources’ Fatherhood Initiative focuses on helping non-custodial fathers reconnect with their children and make positive changes through a number of services, including parenting education, individual counseling, occupational skills training, supportive services and assistance finding employment. We show fathers that they make an important contribution to the lives of their children – even if they do not live in the same household.

The program is open to all non-custodial fathers. Priority is given to fathers between the ages of 17-23 who have been arrested or incarcerated. Fathers in the program face significant challenges: half have not completed high school, and only 15 percent are employed. Most are referred through the Alternative Incarceration Center in Bridgeport, which indicates their involvement in the corrections system. Only 28 percent of the fathers enrolled have ever held a job for more than one year; however, fathers in Career Resources’ Fatherhood Initiative have established paternity in 59 percent of cases, and many have taken critical steps toward long-term educational and career goals. Their success has a strong impact not only on them, but on their children.

The Fatherhood program is funded through a grant from the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Dads and families view additional resources at  http://www.fatherhoodinitiative.state.ct.us/