Fatherhood Initiative

Helping Build Stability for Parents and their Children

Quick Help

The MDHS Fatherhood Initiative, in conjunction with the Child Support Program, is a program designed to support eligible non-custodial parents (NCPs) as they work toward employment, child support compliance, and long-term stability.

Who the Program is for

The Fatherhood Initiative is for eligible non-custodial parents, regardless of gender, who:

Have an open child support case
May be facing or at risk for enforcement actions regarding their child support case

Why Fatherhood Matters

The role of the father holds great importance. A present father helps foster emotionally secure, confident children who thrive in society. The Fatherhood Initiative recognizes that steady employment and access to the right resources can make a real difference. Helping fathers supports positive outcomes for children.

How the program works

Enrollment in the Fatherhood Initiative program is designed to be simple and supportive for eligible NCPs.

You can get started by following these 3 easy steps:

1 Referral and Application

NCPs can apply on their own by clicking here.

In some cases, NCPs may be referred to the Fatherhood Initiative via the child support program or by voluntarily completing an online application through the link to the Fatherhood Initiative that is included in the 90-day notice of license suspension. All referrals prompt a call from Fatherhood Initiative staff where NCPs will be asked intake questions to help determine eligibility.

2 Eligibility Review

Once the application form has been submitted, Fatherhood Initiative staff will review the NCPs’ information, determine the NCP’s eligibility, and provide an enrollment form to eligible NCPs.

3 Enrollment

After NCPs have signed and submitted the enrollment form and stipulated agreement, they are officially a Fatherhood Initiative program participant.

Program Benefits

The Fatherhood Initiative works with NCPs based on their individualized needs. Due to this, individual benefits may look different. The program, however, provides several options for assistance like:

Employment and workforce referrals
Support navigating child support requirements
Assistance with license reinstatement, when eligible
Referral to services provided by the Mississippi Access and Visitation Program (MAVP)

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Enrollment does not eliminate or reduce child support obligations. Program participants are expected to remain in compliance with child support orders. However, enrollment does termporarily stop some enforcement actions, and the monthly child support amount to remain an active participant in the program may temporarily be less than the court-ordered amount.

Generally, the program lasts 90 days.

Enrolling will not stop every enforcement action; however, Fatherhood staff will work with NCPs to help secure an agreement that will allow the reinstatement of their license if Child Support is the only hold on the license.

Individuals may complete an application available here, at any local office, or using the QR code or web address provided in the 90-day driver license suspension notice. When the application is complete, Fatherhood Initiative staff will make an eligibility determination, after which, eligible NCPs can enroll by signing an enrollment form and stipulated agreement.

Contact

Phone: 1-877-912-2051

fatherhood.cs@mdhs.ms.gov

Enroll in the Fatherhood Initiative

Call 877-912-2051

Email fatherhood.cs@mdhs.ms.gov