Parenting Programs
Parenting programs offer support to individuals who are a parent/guardian of a child, connecting them with programs and services that will enable them to be successful in their role as a caregiver to a child.
Available Programs
The Family Engagement Program (FES) is provided by the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE). The purpose of the program is to help unemployed non-custodial parents in obtaining employment, thus enabling them to meet their child support obligations. FES will provide the link between unemployed non-custodial parents and community service providers who will assist them in overcoming their barriers to paying child support.
You are eligible to participate in the FES program if you:
- Have a child support case
- Have barriers hindering your ability to pay your child support obligation
What types of assistance is available?
- Employment services: To equip you with the tools that will help you find and retain employment
- Education Services: To help you obtain your GED or vocational training
- Re-entry Services: To assist former offenders overcome the unique obstacles faced upon re-entering the community
- Financial Planning Services: Helps you to responsibly manage your income and financial obligations
- Parenting/Mentoring Program: Referrals to help you improve or build a healthy relationship with your child(ren)
How does the program work?
Once you have been determined eligible to receive services, you will be assigned to the Outreach Coordinator who will:
- Conduct an assessment of your barriers to employment
- Connect you with community service providers that will assist you in overcoming your specific barriers
- Monitor your appointments, compliance, and progress with the service providers
- Monitor your child support payments and answer questions about your child support case
As a FES participant, you will be required to:
- Attend all appointments and maintain compliance with the community service providers.
- Report all changes in residence, employment, and telephone to your child support specialist.
- Make timely child support payments once employed.
If you are interested in participating in the FES Program Call the DCSE Customer Service Center, 1-800-468-8894 toll-free, Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Or, send them an email through their website.
Fathers In Training (FIT) provides a supportive environment for men to gain an increased understanding of the issues and challenges pertaining to manhood, relationships and parenting. The program provides the tools necessary for participants to negotiate these challenges, in an effort to improve their effectiveness as men and fathers while the ultimate goal is to develop productive relationships with their partners and families.
FIT strongly encourages a healthy co-parenting relationship with mothers whom participants are no longer involved. We firmly believe that an actively involved father contributes to the healthy emotional development and overall well-being of children.
The program operates in increments of 15 week sessions every Monday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants must first enroll and start at the beginning of every fifteen week cycle as well as complete at least 13 sessions in order to receive a certificate of Program Completion. Participation is open to residents of the City of Virginia Beach and the region.
Alternatively, a daytime group will be available for those who are unable to attend in the evening. The daytime group will run every Wednesday afternoon from 1p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Groups will be conducted at:
Virginia Beach Human Services Department
3432 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
An alumni group for fathers who have completed the program and wish to continue or expand their involvement in the community will also be made available. FIT recognizes that challenges will come and go throughout life, and will offer a monthly support element to embrace and discuss these instances.
For the next cycle start date and additional information, contact Ben Watterton at (757) 385-3711.