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