Sec. 17b-27a. John S. Martinez Fatherhood Initiative. Objectives. - Connecticut Statutes

      Sec. 17b-27a. John S. Martinez Fatherhood Initiative. Objectives. There is established within the Department of Social Services, within available appropriations, the John S. Martinez Fatherhood Initiative. Said initiative shall promote the positive involvement and interaction of fathers with their children with an emphasis on children eligible or formerly eligible for services funded by the temporary assistance for needy families block grant and shall identify those services that effectively encourage and enhance responsible and skillful parenting and those services that increase the ability of fathers to meet the financial and medical needs of their children through employment services and child support enforcement measures. The objectives of the initiative shall be to: (1) Promote public education concerning the financial and emotional responsibilities of fatherhood; (2) assist men in preparation for the legal, financial and emotional responsibilities of fatherhood; (3) promote the establishment of paternity at childbirth; (4) encourage fathers, regardless of marital status, to foster their emotional connection to and financial support of their children; (5) establish support mechanisms for fathers in their relationship with their children, regardless of their marital and financial status; and (6) integrate state and local services available for families.

      (P.A. 03-258, S. 6.)