Every father deserves the opportunity to build a strong relationship with his children and create a stable future for his family. For fathers preparing to return to their communities after incarceration, having access to the right support and resources can make an important difference.
Crittenton Center has received a $300,000 grant through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Iowa Fatherhood Initiative to expand specialized services for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated fathers and their families throughout Western Iowa.
The three-year grant will support services through September 2029, with programming provided through Crittenton Center's Family Resource Center in Sioux City.
Who Will These Services Support?
The Fatherhood Services Grant will focus on incarcerated and formerly incarcerated fathers who want to strengthen their relationships with their children and access resources to support their transition back into the community.
Services will be available to:
- Fathers at the Sioux City Residential Treatment Facility who are preparing to return to the community.
- Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated fathers of children and youth already served by Crittenton Center programs.
- Fathers referred by community organizations, service providers, and other community members.
Crittenton Center will also accept community referrals, helping connect fathers and families with services even when they are not already involved in an existing Crittenton Center program.
What Services Are Available?
Through this initiative, Crittenton Center will provide two key areas of support: reentry services and wraparound fatherhood services.
Reentry Support
For fathers preparing to return to the community, planning ahead can help make the transition more manageable. Reentry services will include:
- Evidence-based parenting education.
- Transition planning before release.
- Connections to community resources and support services after release.
These services are designed to help fathers prepare for the transition home while building the skills and connections needed to strengthen their relationships with their children.
Wraparound Fatherhood Services
Every family's needs are different. Fathers will have access to additional support based on their individual circumstances and goals, which may include:
- Employment assistance and career coaching.
- Financial stability resources.
- Parenting programs and education.
- Peer support.
- Childcare referrals.
- Connections to mental health care.
- Substance use treatment referrals.
- Connections to other community services.
Rather than addressing just one area of need, these services will help fathers connect with resources that support their overall stability and their ability to be involved in their children's lives.
Why Fatherhood Services Matter
A father's involvement can play an important role in a child's life. However, incarceration and the transition back into the community can create challenges for fathers working to rebuild family relationships and establish stability.
Crittenton Center has a longstanding commitment to supporting children, parents, and families through parenting education, family support services, supervised visitation, and connections to community resources.
This grant builds on that work by providing more intentional, specialized support for fathers as they prepare to return home, reconnect with their families, and work toward their goals.
"Fathers play an important role in the lives of their children, and we want to help them build strong, lasting relationships with their families. This grant allows us to build on the work we are already doing and provide more intentional support to fathers as they prepare to return to the community. By connecting fathers with parenting education, employment opportunities, and other essential resources, we can help them move forward with greater stability and confidence."
— Kim Scorza, Chief Executive Officer, Crittenton Center
How to Make a Referral or Learn More
Community referrals are welcome. If you work with a father who may benefit from these services, know someone preparing to return to the community, or would like to learn more about the program, we encourage you to connect with Crittenton Center.
To learn more about Fatherhood Services, ask about making a referral, and/or eligibility:
Crittenton Center
4212 Gordon Drive
Sioux City, Iowa 51106
Phone: 712-255-4321
Or, email us!
