The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood is a state-wide commission whose mission is to enhance the well-being of Ohio's children by providing opportunities for fathers to become better parents, partners and providers.

Commissioners are appointed according to statute and represent all sectors of the community. Commissioners include directors of state agencies, the Governor’s designee, bi-partisan members of the Ohio House and Senate and citizens chosen by the Governor because of their extensive involvement in fatherhood issues. Commission meetings are held five times a year and are open to the public. The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood is part of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and seeks to strengthen vulnerable Ohio families by funding community based programs that serve low-income fathers.

Many of the fathers served by OCF-funded programs were raised in father-absent homes and therefore lack experience in what it means to be a committed, involved and responsible father. These fatherhood programs help fathers and families:

1.  improve economic stability when they help fathers prepare for, find and retain employment;

2. foster responsible parenting through skills-based classes and individualized mentoring; and

3. promote healthy relationships through conflict resolution and communications skills training.

In addition to funding fatherhood programs throughout the state, the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood makes policy recommendations regarding fathers, engages the community and trains county leaders on how to mobilize their community to promote responsible fatherhood. This framework allows the Commission to strategically promote father engagement on all levels.

Click here to download a brochure about the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood.
 

The Commission Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 10:00 am. – 12:00 p.m. It will be a Virtual Microsoft Teams Meeting.

Please click here to join the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood Meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 9, 2021 Commissioners’ Meeting.

Please Note: We are unable to provide technical assistance during meetings. Please be sure to download the Microsoft Teams app prior to the meeting.

2021 Commission Meeting Dates:    Feb. 11, May 13, Sept. 9 and Nov. 18.  

If you would like to attend a commission meeting, please contact Terri Simons at 614-752-0182.  Click the highlighted text to learn more about the commission meetings. 
Want to know more about the OCF Commission Meetings? Click on the highlighted text to learn more. Please e-mail Terri.Simons@jfs.ohio.gov if you have any questions.