New York State Fatherhood Program Highlighted at National Conference

Urban Institute Study of OTDA's Fatherhood Initiative Released

ALBANY, NY (04/06/2009)(readMedia)--

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today released the initial findings of the Urban Institute's study of New York State's "Strengthening Families Through Stronger Fathers" initiative, the most comprehensive study of fatherhood programs yet conducted. The study was presented as part of a panel discussion during the American Public Human Services Association Spring conference in Washington, D.C. Monday. Among the report's findings is that there is an overwhelming demand for services provided through the initiative - particularly among minority men with a criminal record.

"This analysis by the Urban Institute will help us to shape the future of fatherhood programs in New York State and across the country," said OTDA Commissioner David A. Hansell. "Fatherhood programs allow us to build on the success of welfare reform, whose primary beneficiaries have been single moms, to enhance the economic prospects of low-income men, and to increase their chances of achieving self-sufficiency for themselves and their children."

New York's fatherhood program, launched in 2006, funds five pilot programs to provide intensive employment services and other supportive services to low-income noncustodial parents, and provides a refundable tax credit for low-income noncustodial parents who remain current in paying child support. Pilot sites are located in Erie, Chautauqua and Onondaga counties and two are in New York City.

The 3-year pilot program concludes this September, but funding that would allow for continuation of the program is included in the 2009-2010 state budget.

The goal of the initiative is to increase noncustodial parents' financial and emotional involvement with their children. This is consistent with other efforts across the country, and with legislation sponsored by then-Senator Obama and Sen. Evan Bayh that is designed to, among other things, fund support services and job training for fathers and their families.

OTDA, which administers the initiative, contracted with the Urban Institute to conduct the multi-year process and outcomes evaluation. As of June 2008, the pilot programs enrolled 2,118 participants, far exceeding the enrollment goal, a major achievement compared with previous efforts to serve unemployed noncustodial parents.

Among the findings highlighted in the report are:

  • 92 percent of pilot participants are men;
  • 87 percent were not employed or working less than 20 hours a week;
  • 76 percent have never been married;
  • 60 percent have an arrest record;
  • 80 percent are African American or Hispanic;
  • 39 percent lacked a high school diploma;
  • 38 percent of participants who were unemployed at enrollment were placed in a job;
  • 42 percent of participants made a child support payment in June of 2008

Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright of Harlem said: "The New York State Strengthening Families Through Stronger Fathers Initiative is a revolutionary program which is helping to reinforce the backbone of our great state, our families. With their outreach to fathers and families alike, OTDA is ensuring a better future for the children and communities of New York State. As Chairman of the State Assembly Standing Committee on Social Services, I fully understand the importance of fathers being an integral part of the family structure and I will work tirelessly to ensure that our families are strengthened by the actions of our State Legislature, now and in the future."

Roland C. Warren, President of the National Fatherhood Initiative, said: "Research is critical to the continuing success of the Responsible Fatherhood Movement. New York State continues to lead the country in innovative work and cutting edge ideals. The Urban Institute White Paper should serve as a blueprint and foundation for future programmatic fatherhood services."

Dr. Ronald Mincy, lead investigator for the evaluation and Maurice V. Russell Professor of Social Policy and Social Work Practice Columbia University School of Social Work, said: "Through the New York State initiative communities around the state are building an infrastructure to help unemployed and underemployed fathers provide for their children and to otherwise become more supportive parents. Though the effectiveness of the local programs will be tested under the worst economic conditions in the months ahead, already the initiative has spawned locally-tailored services, by a diverse set of providers, who are able to respond to specific, local needs."

The full report can be found on OTDA's website, www.otda.state.ny.us, under "Featured Links."

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