South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families to expand through strengthened partnership with Department of Social Services

Friday, June 17, 2016

Tags: South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families , Outreach

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The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) recently announced that it is expanding its partnership with the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping fathers become great dads through 15 fatherhood program centers across the state.

The news was reported by the Post & Courier and The Times and Democrat. Read the full Post & Courier article below or at its website.

DSS promotes program for dads

Two days before Father’s Day, the Department of Social Services announced it will strengthen its partnership with the nonprofit S.C. Center for Fathers and Families.

The program, free for participants, offers “education and services tailored for fathers trying to rebuild their lives and their families,” according to a DSS press release.

With a $3.9 million federal investment, it will expand from 16 counties to the entire state.

Some fathers volunteer for the program, although more than half have been court-ordered to participate. It helps them set goals and spend time with their children.

“We are devoted to helping men heal broken spirits and family relations, practice healthy parenting, and gain productive stable employment because we know when fathers succeed in their fathering role, their children thrive,” said Katie Morgan, director of Child Support Services at DSS.

More than 50,000 babies are born in South Carolina every year. Almost half of them are typically born to unwed parents.

According to the Center for Fathers and Families’ website, 1,581 participants were served by the center’s programs in 2015. DSS anticipates the expansion will double the number of parents who participate.

The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.