Advocating for Father-Child Relationships

Fathers Advocacy GroupDenver Fatherhood Council

Fathers Advocacy Group

We are a group of the Denver Fatherhood Council whose challenge is to promote and improve Access and Visitation for Non-Custodial Fathers.

Our Fatherhood Advocacy Committee is also exploring opportunities to revive fatherhood classes and training across Colorado. We need your help. Adelante Counseling Services needs your support.

Denver Colorado Fatherhood Council

We are a coalition of fathers, practitioners and other stakeholders coordinated by Fathers for Fathers and we include women that care about and understand that children need their dad.

Our mission is to collaboratively work to initiate, promote andsupport effective programs that decrease barriers, and increase healthy father involvement with children, families, and communities. Please forward the link to others.www.adelantecounselingservices.com

Our Objective of this PowerPoint is

• To raise awareness about the issues and barriers non-custodial fathers face in starting or maintaining a relationship with their children

• To collaborate with the courts on how to help fathers through this process

• 24 million children are growing up in a household with one parent.

• That is 1 out of every 3 (33%) children in America. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) African American children live in father-absent homes. One in three (34%) Hispanic children, and 1 in 4 (25%) white children live in father-absent homes. In 1960, only 11% of children lived in father-absent homes.

5 out 6 custodial parents are mothers (86%) an 1 of 6 are fathers (16%).

Growing up without Fathers

• Lower grade point averages, lower college aspirations, poor attendance records, higher dropout rates when living with a single parent.

• Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school.

• More likely to be in trouble with the law.

Growing up without Fathers

• Better educational outcomes – higher IQs, linguistic and cognitive capacities.

• More likely to be emotionally secure and have better social connections with peers.

• Less likely to get in trouble at home, school, or in the neighborhood.

Father-Child Relationships

• Fathers often push achievement, while mothers stress nurturing, which are both important for healthy development.

• Fatherless children are more likely to experience depression, disruptive behavior, lie, and exhibit anti-social skills.

Father-Child Relationships

Don’s Story – A Dad’s Transformation

Child Support and Access – A Father’s Experience• Concerned that Child Support and Parenting Time are not

clearly legally defined as two separate legal issues.

• Fear of custodial parent using Parenting Time as leverage for Child Support.

• Need effective parenting plans that address both issues.

Robert’s Story – Fighting for Rights

Issues and Barriers for Non-Custodial Fathers

• Gatekeeper Issues – The Father is denied access to his Child

• Parental Alienation Syndrome – damaging to the Father – Child relationship

• Scheduling of court dates (Initial Status Conferences, Temporary and Permanent Orders to be resolved as soon at possible)

• Restraining order regarding the child is unrealistic if abuse & safety not an issue

• Fathers do not know the law and usually can’t afford an attorney

Best Interests of ChildC.R.S. 14-10-124.

(1) Legislative declaration. The general assembly finds and declares that it is in the best interest of all parties to encourage frequent and continuing contact between each parent and the minor children…(and) urges parents to share the rights and responsibilities of child rearing and to encourage love, affection and contact between the children and the parent.

Best Interests of ChildC.R.S. 14-10-124.

Determination of Parenting Time

• The ability of the parties to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other party (1.5)(a)(VI).

• The ability of each party to place the needs of the child ahead of his or her own needs (1.5)(a)(XI).

• Non-consideration of irrelevant factors

Larry’s Story – See you in Court!

How the Courts can Help with Access and Visitation

• Timing of Temporary Orders Hearings

• All parties’ points are covered

• Change of address is reported

• Step-parent and paternal grandparents.

What are your thoughts and ideas?

What do you suggest to fathers to help them understand the Court’s role?

Thank you for viewing this presentation.

Created and narrated by Anthony Wing with contributions by Don Reynolds, both Father Advocates Robert Allum – Fatherhood AdvocateContributions by Nancy Regalado, Fatherhood PractitionerRamon A. Montoya Adelante Counseling ServicesRon Allen – Fatherhood PractitonerJerilyin Apodaca – Fatherhood Practitioner