Program Services/Treatment

The Felony Non-Support Docket (FNS) is a community control sanction designed to facilitate collection of court-ordered child support while providing services to address offender-specific needs. Once an offender enters the program, it is anticipated that the offender will remain on the FNS Docket for a minimum of six (6) months. The offender shall attend court reviews on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis to determine the offender’s success in meeting program goals and conditions.

Also, while in the program, the offender shall be afforded the opportunity to receive services provided in conjunction with the program which include the following: Fatherhood classes, job assistance, case management, and substance abuse counseling, if needed. Attendance and successful participation in these services may be a condition of Community Control. Therefore, failure to comply with those conditions may result in jail sanctions, a higher level of care for treatment (i.e. residential, CBCF), or imprisonment.

Once an offender has successfully completed the FNS Docket, the offender may remain under standard supervision as a community control sanction. Therefore, if the offender fails to comply with the General Conditions of Supervision; the offender may be referred back to the FNS Docket at any time.

Responsible Fatherhood Program

The Responsible Fatherhood Program is an evidence-based curriculum that utilizes the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation’s “Responsible Fatherhood Program,” which is a combination of lectures, handouts, and group process designed to help men recognize and face the responsibilities of parenthood.  Ideally, fathers will become better and more accountable parents.

The goal of the Fatherhood Program is to challenge participants who have previously failed to meet responsibilities, to learn what it means to be an effective parent, and to be a positive role-model to the children.  By helping the program participants recognize their shortfalls, and addressing them, the participants are then able to identify their strengths and build on them.  It is then expected that the participant will be able to better appreciate and meet the needs of the children and family in general. 

The program format and subjects are as follows:

• Schedule: Tuesday 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Length:  Two hours per session/once per week
• Duration: Twelve weeks following a full assessment
• Format: Eight to Fifteen men in a group.  The group is open, thus allowing men to start the program at any session and attend up to twenty sessions.

The Responsible Fatherhood Program Curriculum consists of the following twelve sessions:

Session:            Topic:

1. Introduction to Responsible Fatherhood/What are my Values?
2. Boys to Men:  Experiencing Manhood
3. The Art of Communication
4. Fathers as Providers/Non-custodial Fathers:  Rights and Responsibilities
5. Developing Values in Children
6. Coping as a Single Father
7. Dealing with Children’s Behaviors
8. Relationships:  Being a Friend, Partner, Parent, and Employee/ Understanding Male-Female Relationships
9. Managing Conflict and Handling Anger/Handling Anger-Conflict on the Job and Surviving on the Job
10. The Issue of Race/Racism
11. Taking Care of Business/Managing Your Time and Money/Building a Support Network:  Who’s on Your Side?
12. Alcohol and Drug Use/Abuse

Job Assistance

One of the key components for the FNS Docket to maintain success is the ability to assist offenders in stabilizing employment.  This is done with collaboration through Community Behavioral Health and Job and Family Services.  An Employment Liaison Case Manager works directly with the offenders in the FNS Docket in setting goals, overcoming obstacles that may prevent employment, referrals for job leads, mock interviews, and creating resumes.  Each offender is not only followed closely while seeking stable employment, but will maintain communication with the Employment Liaison Case Manager for a minimum of 90 days after gaining employment.  This ensures continued employment, timely child support payments, and continued growth as a responsible member of society. 

Substance Abuse Treatment

In addition to having the court-ordered child support obligation, an offender may need services to address a substance abuse problem.  Therefore, depending on the level of care needed, an offender may receive these services through Community Behavioral Health/Day Reporting, Horizons Services, Sojourner Recovery Services or the SOS Hall.  Should a higher level of residential treatment be needed, an offender may receive services through the Monday Program in Dayton, Community Corrections Center in Lebanon, or River City Correctional Center in Cincinnati.  The actual time spent in residential treatment depends on the progress of the offender, but could last up to six months.