DYCD’s Fatherhood Initiative helps
fathers reconnect with their children and develop essential parenting skills.
DYCD offers fatherhood programming in three distinct categories: Young Fathers
(16-24 years-old), Older Fathers (over the age of 24), and Ex-offenders. The
Fatherhood Initiative is designed to help each father (1) increase engagement
and responsibility in his relationship with his child/children; and (2) provide
material and financial support to his child/children.
In the United States, 29 million children live in fatherless families. The
circumstances confronting non-custodial fathers must be addressed in order to
empower them to establish a positive, healthy, supportive relationship with
their children. These can include: reconciling the conflicting roles of
adolescence and fatherhood, and completing school or finding entry-level
employment; surmounting challenges such as chronic unemployment, homelessness,
or poor health; and addressing particular difficulties resulting from long-term
absence due to cycles of incarceration, reentry, and recidivism.
Since 2002, DYCD has been committed to enhancing children’s development
through programs that encourage fathers to become personally involved with their
children emotionally and financially, and help fathers relate to their
co-parents.
Specific support services include:
Individual and family counseling
Mediation & conflict resolution training
Parenting skill classes
Assistance with issues of child support and arranging child visitation
Watch the DYCD’s Fatherhood Initiative Director Michael Bobbitt, NYC Fatherhood Services Coordinator Alan S. Farrell and The Office of Child Support Enforcement Asst. Deputy Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins discuss the importance of Fatherhood services in NYC on BronxNet’s “Dare 2 Dream: A Father’s Guide to Success” with host Coach Stevan Lynn.
To protect children from falls, the Health Department urges New Yorkers to make sure window guards are in place. For more information about approved window guards call 311. Learn
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