September 2010
Fatherhood conference
Event draws diverse audience

Judge Thomas Lipps received the 2010 Child Support Hero Award from Hamilton County JFS Director Moira Weir on Aug. 13 during a well-attended fatherhood conference.

What topic would bring a former Major League baseball star, a Congressman, and about 200 attorneys, court officials, social workers, Child Support technicians and members of the community (mostly dads) together? 

On Aug. 13, they assembled at the Kingsgate Marriott near University Hospital for A Brighter Future: Strengthening Fathers for Families and Community. 

The day-long conference was sponsored by Lighthouse Youth Services, the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, and the Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers & Families.  The event featured workshops, discussions and remarks by Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, MVP of the 1975-76 World Champion Cincinnati Reds, and Congressman Steve Driehaus of Cincinnati.  

Officials from sponsoring organizations, including Hamilton County JFS Chief Operating Officer Tim McCartney, delivered poignant opening remarks. Agency Director Moira Weir presented Judge Thomas Lipps with the 2010 Child Support Hero Award. Child Support techs processed more than 20 drivers’ license reinstatements for fathers who made payments or shared employment information. 

“I feel very fortunate that my parents stayed together,” said Morgan, a special advisor to the Reds and top baseball analyst for ESPN. “A father figure was always pointing me in the right direction and providing support.” 

Morgan shared a story about a practice started just weeks after he joined the Reds in a trade from the Houston Astros. The Reds had lost a game, and he didn’t feel he had given his best. He made a pact with himself to do more to help the team. In doing so, he became a better individual player. 

“In the evening, I look in the mirror and ask, ‘Did I accomplish all I set out to do today,’” he said. “If not, I’ll work doubly hard the next day. You can fool other people, but can’t fool yourself. Take time each day to look at yourself in the mirror.” 

Morgan told the gathering that his daily review includes not just business accomplishments, but those related to being a father, husband and contributing member of the community. He said his older daughters have gotten jobs as an attorney and a makeup artist for network television programs. One younger twin daughter is studying medicine at the University of Southern California; another is a gymnast at Stanford. He takes great pride in their accomplishments. 

McCartney said Hamilton County JFS has made fatherhood initiatives a priority. The agency sees effects of family breakdown daily, he noted. Studies show that children from families without father involvement are more likely to drop out of school, become pregnant as teens, commit crimes and abuse drugs and alcohol. 

“We are stepping up to the plate when it comes to fatherhood,” McCartney told the diverse group shortly before they headed to workshops about Child Support and fatherhood.

Hamilton County JFS and Lighthouse Youth Services have a five-year partnership to help fathers who owe child support achieve life skills that will lead to employment, responsible payment of child support and more meaningful relationships with their children. The program, entitled REAL (Responsible, Effective, Accountable, Loving) Dads, has been responsible for the collection of $423,000 in child support since its inception (currently $20,000 a month).  


Child Support technicians reinstate drivers' licenses during Aug. 13 fatherhood conference.