Child Support Services Division: Fathering Court

What is the Fathering Court?
A program that offer 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

What can participants get out of it?

Job training & job placement
Bi-weekly support group meetings. A chance to discuss re-entry issues with other parents in the re-entry process
Counseling & Treatment
Personal financial management training
Fathering classes
Program graduation & Fathers Fraternity
Case Management
Court Supervision
A chance to build a relationship with your child(ren)

Who Can Participate?
To be eligible to be 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. Anyone currently on the Child Offender Registry is not allowed to participate
Not have any prior convictions of domestic violence
Not have any ongoing chemical or substance abuse. Participants may be subject to drug testing if substance abuse issues arise
Not be currently receiving SSI or SSDI
Not be currently enrolled in high school

Fathering Court Program Design

Clear and objective goals for participants
Accountability to the Court
An individualized plan of action
Compliance encouraged by wide range of rewards and sanctions
Measurable outcomes
Program Graduation
Father's Fraternity

Key Services

Case management
Intense supervision by the Court
Job Training and employment assistance
Fathering classes
Mediation services
Personal financial management training
Counseling for non custodial parents and children

“Parents do make a difference”

Fathering Court Partners

DC Superior Court
Child Support Services Division of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
Department of Human Services
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Healthy Families/Thriving Communities Collaborative Council
University of the District of Columbia
Urban Institute

Contact us
Anyone interested in getting more information about the Fathering Court should either contact Ron Scott at (202) 879-8316 or Ron.Scott@dcsc.gov, or call a CSSD Customer Service Team member at (202) 442-9900.