> Departments > Human Services > Child Support > Fathers

Fathers

When a father is not present in a child's life, that child is more likely to suffer from poverty, receive welfare, have a lower grade point average, drop out of school, engage in substance abuse, commit acts of delinquency, marry early and have children at an early age.

Larimer County, through its Child Support Enforcement Unit, offers positive and innovative programs to help non-custodial parents obtain the skills that are necessary for them to fulfill their financial and emotional responsibilities as parents, and take a more active role in raising their children.

Responsible Fatherhood Program

"A program initiative of Larimer County Child Support Office and Colorado Works"

The Larimer County Responsible Fatherhood Program empowers Dads to be positive, nurturing, non-violent parents by assuming responsibility for the well-being of their children.

photo of a father and baby

FATHERING SKILLS CLASSES are offered in various locations within the community, and at county agencies such as Larimer County Detention Center, Community Corrections and Platte Valley Youth Services Center. The classes are offered in 12 sessions covering topics such as; Family of Origin, Physical and Mental Health, Discipline, Masculinity, Fathering and Family Roles, Expectations and Children's Development, Understanding Your Self, Fathering and Culture, Balancing Work and Family and a few others, and a few others.

CUSTOMIZED COACHING is also available for topics such as:

  • Case management
  • Agency referral
  • Access and visitation through facilitated family conference
  • Job services referral

Services are for fathers of all ages and types, and especially for Non-Residential Dads, Teen Dads, Incarcerated Dads and Teen Dads involved with the Juvenile Justice System.

For additional information on any aspect of the program please contact us at fordads@larimer.org or call Lyric Wiesley at 498-6357.

Parent Program

   People
    Achieving
     Responsibility through
      Education
       Nurturing and
        Training

The PARENT Program provides assistance to participants in the following areas:

Employment and Job Training Services

Program participants meet one-on-one with the PARENT program Case manager to develop an individual case plan.

Supportive Services

On a case by case basis, supportive services may be available to assist participants with job readiness.

Classes

Classes are free to participants Classes offered in various locations within the community, and at county agencies such as Larimer County Detention Center and Community Corrections. There is no charge for the classes.

Topics may include:

  • Child support and parenting time issues;
  • The importance of fathers;
  • Coping with your child's other parent;
  • Communication skills;
  • Anger management and
  • Stress management and depression

Mediation Services

Referrals are made to trained mediators in the community who provide services on a sliding scale basis. The PARENT Program Case manager also provides assistance with parenting time issues.

Possible Incentives for your participation in the Parent Program

  1. Suspension of Enforcement Remedies on your child support case during program participation.
  2. Debt Reduction. Child support arrears owed to the state of Colorado, under certain circumstances, may be reduced or eliminated.

We serve:

  • Parents receiving assistance benefits from our department, such as TANF, CCAP and/or Medicaid
  • Non-custodial parents who have a child support order with Larimer County Child Support Enforcement

For additional information about the Parent Program, please email Bill Smith or call him at 498-6427.