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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Righting the Ship: The Crucial Role of Ohio Dads in Kids' Lives

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Thursday, June 16, 2016   

COLUMBUS, Ohio – While dads are at the forefront on Father's Day, they're often left behind in the child welfare system.

But some agencies in Ohio are making efforts to change that.

Ann Ream, director of protective services for Summit County Children's Services, explains that when a dad is living with the family, there are restrictions in the availability of assistance available for a child.

She says over time a culture developed within social service agencies where fathers were not part of the equation.

"We've taught fathers that they don't count, that they're the secondary plan for their children or that they can babysit if needed,” she states. “Well, they're not babysitters. They're parents, and so we've really tried to right the ship and get them to really understand that they're such a critical piece."

The agency developed its Father Factor initiative several years ago, and is creating awareness and educating workers, fathers and the community about the importance of engaging dads in their child's safety and permanency.

Ream adds that when a father is present, a child has better educational outcomes and is less likely to become involved in the criminal justice system.

Ream says parenting classes and educational opportunities can help absent dads become better parents.

She tells the story of a 58-year-old man who spent most of his life behind bars. When one of his children was placed up for adoption, he spent his last days in prison focusing on turning things around.

"He got a trade while he was incarcerated,” she relates. “His worker really gave him a lot of hope and empowered him to be the dad that the worker saw that he could be.

“Came to our classes, actively participated, helped the other gentlemen in the class as well, and received full legal custody of his son last summer."

With assistance of the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, Ream says several agencies developed a best practice guide to help other social service agencies become more father-friendly.

"Fathers need to know that we believe in them,” she stresses. “There's always hope things can be done in a different way.

“There are resources in the state of Ohio. The work can be done. We just need to make sure our fathers can get connected and engaged for what their needs are."

June is Responsible Fatherhood Month, and the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood is sponsoring events to highlight the crucial role of fathers and to celebrate responsible fatherhood.





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