(a) 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.

(b) Not later than February 1, 2010, the Commissioner of Social Services shall, within available resources, report to the select committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, regarding (1) the effectiveness of any child support arrears management efforts; (2) the effectiveness of any efforts aimed at reducing teen fatherhood; (3) the number of newly employed noncustodial parents; and (4) the number of noncustodial parents with incomes at or below the federal poverty level.

(c) The commissioner shall, within available resources, seek to obtain any available federal and private funds for programs that promote the objectives described in subsection (a) of this section. If such funds are obtained, the commissioner shall award grants to entities for such programs, as provided in subsection (d) of this section.

(d) The Department of Social Services shall award grants to entities under this section for programs and services that provide (1) employment and training opportunities for low-income fathers to increase the earning capacity of such fathers; (2) classes in parenting and financial management; and (3) other support services and programs that promote responsible parenting, financial stability and communication and interaction between fathers and their children.

(e) Applicants for grants provided pursuant to this section shall apply to the Commissioner of Social Services at such time and in such manner as the commissioner prescribes. The commissioner shall establish criteria for eligibility for grants and for the awarding of grants pursuant to this section. The commissioner shall require a grantee to (1) implement accountability measures and results-based outcomes as a condition of being awarded a grant; (2) leverage funds through existing resources and collaboration with community-based and nonprofit organizations; and (3) consult with experts in domestic violence to ensure that, when appropriate, the programs and services described in subsections (c) and (d) of this section address issues concerning domestic violence.

(f) Not later than October 1, 2010, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall report, in accordance with section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services and the select committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children on the grant program's effectiveness in achieving the objectives specified in subsection (a) of this section.

(P.A. 03-258, S. 6; P.A. 09-175, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 09-175 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), added Subsec. (b) re report, added Subsec. (c) re obtaining federal and private funds, and added Subsecs. (d) to (f) re grant program.