University Times

Noncustodial fathers who want to become more active in their children’s lives may have a better chance now, thanks to a $250,000 Heinz Foundation grant to the Fathers Collaborative, a case management system that provides services to meet the needs of those fathers.

“Fathers will be sought out directly through the effective outreach efforts of five of Allegheny County’s Family Support Centers,” said program administrator Kathryn Rudy, who also is director of community and internal services in Pitt’s Office of Child Development (OCD).

The centers — in Duquesne, Lawrenceville, Homewood and Northview Heights — will help to screen applicants and refer noncustodial fathers to the right services, all in the interest of helping these men develop and maintain active roles in their children’s lives.

Collaborative partners include OCD, Pitt’s School of Law, Healthy Start, Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh, McGregor & Patterson Law Office and the Family Support Centers.