(a) To achieve the objectives of this chapter, there is established within the Paternity and Child Support Division within the Virgin Islands Department of Justice the Council on Responsible Fatherhood. The Paternity and Child Support Division shall include a line item in its budget for the Council. The Division shall also provide administrative support to the Council and designate a specific space for the Council.
(b) The Council has the following duties:(1) To develop a comprehensive plan that promotes the positive involvement of fathers in their children’s lives;(2) To evaluate territorial programs, government policies, and community initiatives related to fatherhood and to make recommendations to the Governor of the Virgin Islands and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands regarding those programs, policies, and initiatives;(3) To convene a territorial symposium to discuss and resolve issues related to responsible fatherhood and the importance of the participation of both parents in their children’s lives;(4) Subject to appropriation, to develop criteria for and to issue requests for proposals for grants for responsible fatherhood projects and activities approved by the Council;(5) To receive grants, contributions, and other funds for projects and activities related to responsible fatherhood; and(6) To submit a report, after conferring with the Family Court judge in each district on or before November 15 of each year, to the Governor and the Legislature, recommending policy initiatives that will improve the lives of families in the Territory. The report must be based on the fiscal calendar of the Government of the Virgin Islands.
(1) To develop a comprehensive plan that promotes the positive involvement of fathers in their children’s lives;
(2) To evaluate territorial programs, government policies, and community initiatives related to fatherhood and to make recommendations to the Governor of the Virgin Islands and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands regarding those programs, policies, and initiatives;
(3) To convene a territorial symposium to discuss and resolve issues related to responsible fatherhood and the importance of the participation of both parents in their children’s lives;
(4) Subject to appropriation, to develop criteria for and to issue requests for proposals for grants for responsible fatherhood projects and activities approved by the Council;
(5) To receive grants, contributions, and other funds for projects and activities related to responsible fatherhood; and
(6) To submit a report, after conferring with the Family Court judge in each district on or before November 15 of each year, to the Governor and the Legislature, recommending policy initiatives that will improve the lives of families in the Territory. The report must be based on the fiscal calendar of the Government of the Virgin Islands.
(c) The goals of the Council are:(1) To increase the awareness of the problems created when a child grows up without the presence of a responsible father;(2) To identify obstacles that impede or prevent the involvement of responsible fathers in the lives of their children;(3) To identify strategies that are successful in overcoming identified obstacles and in encouraging responsible fatherhood;(4) To facilitate the transition from current policies, perceptions, and practices that adversely affect the participation of fathers in their children’s lives to policies, perceptions, and practices that promote the contributions of responsible fathers; and(5) To promote positive interaction between fathers and their children.
(1) To increase the awareness of the problems created when a child grows up without the presence of a responsible father;
(2) To identify obstacles that impede or prevent the involvement of responsible fathers in the lives of their children;
(3) To identify strategies that are successful in overcoming identified obstacles and in encouraging responsible fatherhood;
(4) To facilitate the transition from current policies, perceptions, and practices that adversely affect the participation of fathers in their children’s lives to policies, perceptions, and practices that promote the contributions of responsible fathers; and
(5) To promote positive interaction between fathers and their children.
(d) The Council shall undertake fatherhood initiatives that include, but are not limited to:(1) promoting public education concerning the financial and emotional responsibilities of fatherhood;(2) providing assistance to men in preparing for the legal, financial, and emotional responsibilities of fatherhood;(3) promoting the establishment of paternity upon the birth of a child;(4) encouraging fathers in fostering an emotional connection to children and providing financial support to children;(5) establishing support mechanisms for fathers to assist in developing and maintaining relationships with their children;(6) identifying and promoting methods that reduce the negative outcomes experienced by children affected by divorce, separation, and disputes concerning custody and visitation; and(7) integrating federal and local services available to families.
(1) promoting public education concerning the financial and emotional responsibilities of fatherhood;
(2) providing assistance to men in preparing for the legal, financial, and emotional responsibilities of fatherhood;
(3) promoting the establishment of paternity upon the birth of a child;
(4) encouraging fathers in fostering an emotional connection to children and providing financial support to children;
(5) establishing support mechanisms for fathers to assist in developing and maintaining relationships with their children;
(6) identifying and promoting methods that reduce the negative outcomes experienced by children affected by divorce, separation, and disputes concerning custody and visitation; and
(7) integrating federal and local services available to families.