Advocating for
Father-Child
Relationships
Fathers Advocacy Group
Denver 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 and
support 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 noncustodial fathers face in starting or maintaining a
relationship with their children
• To collaborate with the courts on how to help fathers
through this process
Growing up without Fathers
•
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 fatherabsent 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.
Father-Child Relationships
•
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.
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 NonCustodial 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 Child
C.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 Child
C.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 Advocate
Contributions by Nancy Regalado, Fatherhood Practitioner
Ramon A. Montoya Adelante Counseling Services
Ron Allen – Fatherhood Practitoner
Jerilyin Apodaca – Fatherhood Practitioner