Best Practices / Correctional

Addressing Reintegration Issues for Fathers Leaving Prison – Chicago, Ill.

This program introduces child support case management services to the fathers who reside in Adult Transitional Centers (ATCs) in Chicago. It increases the level of child support for children of incarcerated/released parents by including child support information and activities in employment and social preparations and services available to noncustodial parents/residents of the ATCs.

Outreach to Incarcerated Parents – Texas

This program makes over 100 presentations each year to approximately 5,000 incarcerated parents, mostly fathers. Presentations are held in all different types of prison venues. The child support division participates in a number of other related special projects and collaborative activities:

• Youth Resource Fairs/Enterprising Resource Fairs—Various State agencies hold informational sessions about agency services to assist inmates upon release.
  
• Special Jail Project in Houston—Outreach staff contact identified incarcerated fathers and provide general child support information, including the process for modifications of a child support order.
  
• MATCH/PATCH Programs—These programs in San Antonio and Webb County allow inmates interaction with their children, and participants receive training in parenting skills, life skills, child development, education, and employment, etc.
  
• No More Victims Program—In two urban Houston high schools, this program offers daily counseling to children of incarcerated parents. The program also provides school supplies, food, clothing, etc. Staff members also make home visits.

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