State Awards $2.7 Million for Responsible Fatherhood Programs

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced that it has awarded more than $2.7 million for eight organizations to run programs that will help low-income, noncustodial fathers become more involved with their children's lives, financially and emotionally.

Eight organizations in New York City, Long Island, Onondaga, Monroe, Schenectady, Orange and Chautauqua counties are receiving funding through OTDA's Strengthening Families Through Stronger Fathers Initiative. Four of the agencies previously participated in a three-year pilot program that ended last fall.

"In these difficult economic times, our investment in these programs is vital as they provide the opportunity for low-income New Yorkers, and their children, to achieve greater economic security and stability," said Kristin Proud, Deputy Secretary for Human Services, Technology and Operations, who is currently overseeing OTDA. "This initiative will help low-income fathers to not only better meet their child support obligations, but to better connect with their children. This is integral to our core mission as studies continually show that children who have the emotional and financial support of both parents are more likely to experience success later in life."

The organizations funded through this program will provide participants with parenting, education and employment services, among other supportive services. The three-year pilot programs demonstrated there is great demand for these services.

The Strengthening Families Through Stronger Fathers Initiative supports the development of collaborative strategies between social services districts and community organizations to help low-income noncustodial parents find and maintain employment, and pay their child support in full.

Organizations awarded funding are listed below.

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