New Initiative Helps Fathers Gain Custody of Children

By Christina Rentz

Published on September 20, 2005

Because of an on-going battle with his estranged wife, Tim Fisher has had very limited contact with his son since the separation. Recently, though, Fisher and his wife were able to work out their issues in mediation. Fisher's son now has his own bedroom in Fisher's house and spends three to four days a week with his father. Fisher credits the Fathers Collaborative with making this new arrangement a reality.

The Fathers Collaborative is a joint initiative by the University of Pittsburgh's School of Law and Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh to aid noncustodial parents in their fight to spend time with their children. Funded by a grant from the Department of Public Welfare's Bureau of Child Support Enforcement, this service provides free legal advice and assistance to qualified parents. To date, the Fathers Collaborative has helped 370 parents reach agreements that gave the noncustodial parent greater access or shared custody of the child.

In order to qualify for this service, the Goodwill evaluates the candidate's income, occupation, and family circumstances. Candidates must make less than $22,000 to qualify for the service. Candidates must also agree to have child support deducted regularly from their paychecks.

The Fathers Collaborative has had such great success it is now extending it efforts to educate teen parents on their rights and responsibilities.

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