** PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS HAVE INCREDIBLY LOW RECIDIVISM RATE **  
 
 
WHAT: Fathering Court Graduation  

WHERE: Jurors Lounge, Moultrie Courthouse, 3rd Floor, 500 Indiana Avenue, NW 
 
WHEN: Friday, January 25 – 11:00am  
 
WHO: Superior Court Chief Judge Lee F. Satterfield, Family Court Presiding Judge Zoe Bush, Fathering Court Judge Milton Lee 
 
The Fathering Court is an innovative program that helps support and connect fathers and their families.  This initiative combines needs-assessment, skill development opportunities, case management, peer support, completion of a mandatory curriculum and putting non-custodial parents in contact with community resources -- with an emphasis on employment -- to give those returning from prison the ability to meet the needs of their children.  Other Fathering Court services include housing assistance and referrals, substance abuse treatment and counseling, mediation services, referrals for legal assistance and any other assistance necessary.   
 
One in four DC prisoners owes court-ordered child support.  They return to the community having had limited contact with their children, owing money and facing the challenge of finding employment in order to provide for themselves and their children.  This program works to help these fathers reconnect with their children, not just financially, but emotionally.  The recidivism rate for this program for the first 5 years is well under 10%. 
 
Note: Cameras and recorders will be allowed into the courthouse for this event.