The Fathering Court is a program, sponsored by the DC Superior Court, which offers new opportunities to parents ordered to pay support. The Fathering Court provides job training, counseling, employment services, and judicial access to help parents get back on track and support their children. The goal is to help parents make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of their children.
Frequently Asked Questions -- Fathering Court
Why participate in the Fathering Court?
The Fathering Court is a voluntary court proceeding and re-entry program operated through the DC Superior Court. Its intent is to help children and families. Through the Fathering Court, parents who are ordered to pay support become better prepared to be financially and emotionally responsible for themselves and for their children.
How do Fathering Court participants benefit?
Fathering Court benefits include:
- Job training and job placement
- Biweekly support group meetings
- Discussions about re-entry issues with other returning parents
- Counseling and treatment
- Personal financial management training
- Parenting classes
- Program graduation
- Case management
- Access to a designated CSSD attorney
- Court supervision
- A chance to build and/or improve the parent-child relationship
Who can participate in Fathering Court?
To participate in the Fathering Court, a person must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in the District of Columbia.
- Have an active child support obligation in the District of Columbia.
- Not have any prior convictions for child or sexual abuse or for domestic violence. (Anyone currently on the Child Offender Registry cannot participate.)
- Not have any ongoing chemical or substance abuse issues. (Participants may be subject to drug testing if substance abuse issues arise.)
- Not be currently receiving SSI or SSDI.
- Not be currently enrolled in high school.
- Have the agreement of the legal custodian/guardian of the child(ren) to support the program.
Contact Us
For additional information about the Fathering Court, contact the DC Superior Court Family Court at (202) 879-1212 or contact the CSSD Policy Unit at (202) 724-2183 or CSSD-Policy@dc.gov.