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, November 10, 2022 from 10:00 am. – 12:00 p.m. 

(ODJFS) OCF Commission Meeting 
Date: November 10, 2022 at 10:00 am – 12 noon
Location: Vern Riffe Building (Riffe)
77 S. High St. 19th Floor, Conference Room 1948
Columbus, OH  43215

The meeting will be IN-PERSON. Please allow time to find parking and going through the security checks at the Vern Riffe Building. Please bring your photo Identification.

2022 Commission Meeting Dates:    Feb. 10, May 12, July 14, Sept. 8 and Nov. 10.

If you would like to attend a commission meeting or if you have any questions, please contact Terri Simons via e-mail at Terri.Simons@jfs.ohio.gov. 

If you need to speak to someone over the phone, please contact Executive Director Kimberly Dent at 614-752-0583.