Dadz Connection fatherhood initiative seeks to improve and strengthen the relationship between non-custodial parents (primarily fathers) and their child(ren). The focus of this effort is to help remove barriers that prevent the non-custodial parent from participating actively and productively in the lives of their children.

The Dadz Connection is an innovative approach that represents a significant cultural change for the Department of Human Services (DHS) to partner with non-custodial parents and to contribute to the well-being of the entire family.

Data about families indicates children achieve increased academic, social and behavioral skills when both parents are invovled in their lives. In a healthy parent/child relationship, the involvement of both parents has significant benefits for children including:

- Reduced risks of out-of-wedlock childbearing.
- Reduced risks of dropping out of high school.
- Reduced risks of substance abuse.
- Reduced risks of juvenile deliquency.

Young people also feel less alienation from their communities.

Eligibility

Any Wayne County resident who is the non-custodial parent of at least one child who is receiving services/benefits from the Department of Human Services (DHS) is eligible to participate.