DSS program administrator outlines Connecticut fatherhood initiative serving more than 700 men annually

A program administrator for the fatherhood initiative at the Department of Social Services said the statewide program serves more than 700 men each year and works to change systems so fathers can be more fully and positively involved in their children’s lives.

The announcement, delivered on Father’s Day, explained the initiative is a broad-based, multi-agency effort led by the Department of Social Services. The program administrator said participants have an average age of 33 and typically have two children, and that the programming arm serves “more than 700 individuals annually.”

The official listed a range of barriers that can limit fathers’ engagement, including low education levels, criminal history, unemployment, lack of housing, child support debt, lack of transportation, mental health and substance use issues, and food insecurity. “Some of the barriers to their engagement are low education levels, criminal history, unemployment, lack of housing, child support debt, lack of transportation, and mental health and substance abuse issues, as well as food insecurities,” the program administrator said.

The program administrator urged fathers to remain engaged and offered practical parenting guidance. “Being a father doesn't end when the relationship is over with mom,” the official said. “It is never too late to be a father to your children,” they added, encouraging honest communication and respectful interaction with a child’s other parent.

For more information, the program administrator directed listeners to the initiative’s webpage at www.ct.gov/fatherhood. There were no motions or votes associated with the remarks; the session consisted of an informational presentation and advice for fathers.

The Department of Social Services’ fatherhood initiative aims to coordinate services across agencies to address structural barriers and support positive involvement by fathers.