Engaging Fathers in Child Welfare

Each year in Ohio, hundreds of children become involved with child welfare due to suspected or confirmed abuse or neglect.  Some of these children were living with both biological parents when child welfare got involved, and their mother, father, or both, maltreated them.  However, many of these children were living with their mother, mother’s partner, or other relatives, but not their father.  For these children, their biological fathers are often left out of caregiver search efforts, case planning, team meetings and court hearings, even if they have been a positive presence in the child's life before child welfare's involvement.


To encourage more child welfare workers to engage fathers, in 2015, a work group which included staff from the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood was formed.  The result is the following  "Best Practice Guide for Engaging Fathers". Click on the image below to view the guide.

Join Our Email List

Upcoming Events

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. 

Hot Links