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SCR 9 task force adopts final fatherhood engagement report after DCFS language revisions on Title IV‑D
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Summary
The SCR 9 Fatherhood Engagement Task Force adopted its final report after accepting DCFS-suggested language tightening how Title IV‑D funds may be used, agreed edits to photos/logos and set a March 18 press conference and April 7 Dad’s Day at the Capitol to share the report with legislators and the public.
Sam Simon Jones, the task force presenter, asked members to approve the final report and recommendations and reminded the group the executive summary must be submitted to the legislature by Feb. 28. He said the goal was to finalize factual edits and move the report forward for legislative and public distribution. "We are planning a press conference to share with the public and members of the media," Jones said, adding the virtual press event is scheduled for March 18 at 11 a.m. and Dad’s Day at the Capitol is set for April 7.
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) raised a substantive concern about draft language describing the flexibility of Title IV‑D funds. Molly Chapman, Deputy Assistant Secretary with DCFS, said the draft "overstates the flexibility of the IV‑D funds" and that "Title IV‑D funds cannot be used broadly for legal representation, custody, or visitation services." Bradley Durham, representing DCFS, asked the task force to revise wording to reflect federal eligibility limits and operational impacts.
After an extended discussion, the task force negotiated specific edits with DCFS. Sam Simon Jones read back consolidated language the group accepted: explore "federally allowable uses of Title IV‑D funds related to paternity and child‑support establishment," alongside non‑IV‑D funding sources to support fathers’ engagement; note that IV‑D resources "may be a significant tool" to improve fatherhood involvement and reduce conflict; and, pending continuing conversations with DCFS, "explore uses of IV‑D funds and other funding sources to assist noncustodial parents with job placement or coordination" on a case‑by‑case basis. "We'll make that note," Jones said after members suggested striking language that implied broader IV‑D authority.
Members also debated report cosmetics and credits: whether to include all contributing organizations’ logos or none, and which photos to feature. LeVar Robinson, co‑chair, successfully moved a substitute motion that required editors to either include all logos or none, add a single group photo of the task force, and prioritize photos that depict fathers and families from listening sessions. The substitute motion passed.
By voice vote the task force adopted the final report with the agreed DCFS substitutions, corrections to factual errors (including the incarceration ranking and a meeting date), and the photo/logo instructions. The group agreed to email high‑quality photos and a final draft to members before the report is submitted to the legislature.
The task force scheduled distribution steps: email the full report to every legislator and the governor, provide physical copies to legislators’ desks, hold the press conference March 18, and use Dad’s Day at the Capitol on April 7 for further publicity and engagement. "Every legislator is going to get an email," Jones said. "The governor's going to get a copy as well." The meeting adjourned after closing thanks and a reminder that a final email will circulate before legislative submission.
