March 14, 2008

GRAND RAPIDS - Information and legal advice about paternity, child custody, child support and parenting time will be available at the Dad's Legal Clinic on Wed., March 19 at the United Methodist Community House.

The event, held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 904 Sheldon SE, is one of three statewide meetings to help fathers learn more about their rights and responsibilities as parents. Free pizza and beverages will be served. Free child care also is available.

Organizers say that involved dads improve outcomes for children. One session was held in February in Lansing and another session will be held in Southfield in April. The series is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Human Services' Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Initiative, Michigan State University's Chance at Childhood, and community providers of the Proud Fathers-Proud Parents programs.

"Fathers play a critical role in the lives of their children," said Duane Michael Wilson, coordinator of the DHS Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. "This information can make the difference to a dad who wants to be involved in his child's life but doesn't know how."

For more information about the Grand Rapids Dad's Legal Clinic, please contact Kimberly Steed at (517) 432-8406 or the United Methodist Community House at (616) 452-3226.

For more information about DHS, go to www.michigan.gov/dhs