The Fathering Court is a program that offers Fathers who have not been making child support payments in the District of Columbia, for a long time, a chance to make a fresh start. The Fathering Court offers job training, counseling, a job, and support to get lives back on track. Fathers will be educated, counseled, and encouraged to place the needs of their children first.

 

Why would I join the Fathering Court?
It’s really about helping children and families.  The Fathering Court is geared to help prepare non-custodial parents to become financially and emotionally responsible for their children.

 

How do I qualify?
It is a voluntary court proceeding and re-entry program operated through the DC Superior Court. Participants must have child support orders for children who live in the District of Columbia, and the legal custodian/guardian of the child (or children) must agree to support the overall efforts of the program.

Who Can Participate?
To be eligible to participate in the Fathering Court;  parents must be at least 18 years old and reside in the District of Columbia, have an active child support obligation in the District of Columbia, not have any prior convictions of child or sexual abuse,  not have any prior convictions of domestic violence, not have any ongoing chemical or substance abuse issues, not be currently receiving SSI or SSDI, not be currently enrolled in high school. Participants may be subject to drug testing if substance abuse issues arise. Anyone currently on the Child Offender Registry is not allowed to participate.