Text Box: HEALTHY FAMILIES NEWS                                                                                     page 1                    f fffff

Maryland Regional Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families


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Text Box: "Supplemental News of the Maryland Regional Practitioners' Network for Father and Families"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: From the Director.... Leon J. Henry and Board President Dr. W. Barber Dear Sir:      I would like an opportunity to introduce our organization and to talk about the important service we provide to the citizens of Maryland.  The Maryland Regional Practitioners’ Network for Fathers and Families (MRPNFF) was established in 1996 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving fathers and their families.  We believe in the principle of Responsible Fatherhood which we promote through training, research, technical support and advocacy for both fathers and the individual practitioners who work with them.      Responsible Fatherhood is modeled by fathers who provide for the physical, emotional, financial and spiritual well-being of their children, while conducting themselves as positive leaders within the family and throughout the community at large.      The services we provide to our clients, most of whom are young, low-income with few parenting skills, is critical.  Research shows that when fathers are engaged early on, they tend to be a resource for their children for the long haul.  Children who have a positive male role model, girls and boys, tend to do better in school, are less likely to engage the criminal justice system and are less likely to have children as teenagers.  Young men develop a sense of responsibility via their role as a father, and remain positive and constructive members of society.      Funding for such programs is vital for the continued health of low-income families in Maryland.  We urge you to sustain funding for all state-supported fatherhood programs in Maryland and to continue your lifelong support of healthy families.  Thank you for your consideration.  Sincerely, Leon J.  Henry                                      Dr. Willie L. Barber, Ph.D. Executive Director                                President, Board of Directors         

 

 

 

 

Text Box:             The Legal Aid Bureau’s Baltimore City Child Support Project, funded by the Abell Foundation, aims to address the needs of low-income non-custodial parents whose child support obligations pose a barrier to employment and economic stability.  On a limited basis, the Project represents individual clients in child support issues including modifications, contempt cases, inappropriate child support amounts and arrearages, and wage garnishments.  Also, the Project advocates against enforcement actions that threaten work and economic stability, such as driver’s license suspensions, credit reporting and the interception of state and federal tax refunds.  Intakes are conducted at the Legal Aid Bureau, 500 E. Lexington Street, Baltimore, by walk-in Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and intakes can also be done over the phone by calling the telephone intake unit, (410) 951-7700.  Many non custodial parents face problems relating to the garnishment of their wages for child support payments.  After the court has ordered that wages be withheld from a parent’s paycheck, the local child support enforcement agency is required by law to notify the employer and the parent of the pending garnishment.  The agency must send the following to the non custodial parent: 1) a copy of the earnings withholding notice, 2) a statement of what portion of the withholding will be applied to arrears, 3) a statement of the parent’s right to contest the accuracy of the withholding by filing a motion to stay the earnings withholding in circuit court or by requesting an investigation by the agency into the matter, and 4) the procedures a parent can follow to terminate the earnings withholding.  A parent can only ask for an investigation based on whether an arrearage exists, the amount of the arrearage or withholding, the identity of the non custodial parent, or whether the amount of the withholding exceeds the limits of the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act.  If a parent requests an investigation, the agency must conduct one within 15 days after the request and must notify the parent in writing of the results and the right to appeal.  In some cases, employers are withholding more than is allowed under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.  Under the Act, employers can withhold 50% (less federal and state taxes) of a parent’s paycheck, if the parent is living with and supporting a family, and 55% if that parent owes arrears.  If the parent is not supporting other family members, 60% can be withheld, and up to 65% if the parent owes arrears.  If your paycheck is being garnished above these limits, speak with your employer or contact the local enforcement agency.  For more information, contact at the Legal Aid Bureau, 500 E. Lexington Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, (410) 951-7670. ®GENERAL MEETINGS REMINDER¬ Held EVERY THIRD (3RD) Thursday of each month from 10:00 a. m. to 12:00 p. m. Page 4                  Text Box: Legal Aid Bureau’s Baltimore City Child Support Project Text Box: By Toni St. John  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box:          25 North Caroline Street            Baltimore, MD 21231                  410-342-7554   FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER

DADS 101

A TRAINING PROGRAM FOR NEW AND EXPECTANT FATHERS

“Boys Make Babies, Men Raise Them…”

 

A Six Week Parenting Group For Fathers

Classes Will Begin On Tuesday, July 8, 2003

6:15 P.M.-7:45 P.M.

☺     Child-Care and Snacks Will Be Provided     ☺

 Some Areas To Be Covered Included:

*Fatherhood:  The Undiscovered Country!                  *Ways To Show You Care!

 *Shaken Baby Syndrome!                                             *Labor And Delivery!     

 *Coping With A Crying Baby!                                      *Pregnancy!

*What role do you play in your childs life?

And Much More…

Certificate And Celebration At Completion Of Program

For More Information Contact:

Darryl C. Green

Male Involvement Coordinator