Fatherhood Program

Policy 9.0

The Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) provides fatherhood and prison re-entry services to noncustodial parent’s court ordered to pay child support.

State Authority

O.C.G.A. Title 19

Federal Authority

34 U.S.C. § 10613

Applicability

All Georgia child support offices receiving Title IV-D funds, including all private vendors contracted with the Department of Human Services to provide child support services.

Overview

Georgia recognizes that many noncustodial parents want to pay their court-ordered child support but lack the economic capacity to do so.

Through the Fatherhood Program, DCSS works with parents who are unemployed or underemployed and are consequently unable to pay their full child support obligations. The program connects parents with resources leading to jobs that pay above minimum wage, leading to greater self-sufficiency and more emotional, parental, and financial involvement in the lives of their children.

Participants who have had their driver’s licenses suspended or who are subject to license suspension for nonpayment of child support can regain driving privileges.

Services offered include:

  1. Job Placement

  2. Short-Term Training

  3. GED Classes

  4. Federal Bonding Through TOPPSTEP

  5. Volunteer Services

  6. Resume Writing

  7. Job Referral

  8. Emotional Wellness Training

  9. Prison Paternity Testing

  10. Prison-Re-Entry Support

  11. Aftercare Services