First things first (FTF) will implement the dads making a difference (DMD) and songbird programs as court diversionary initiatives for noncustodial parents behind in child support payments and…

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) awarded a $764,508 Project Grant under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (CFDA 16.738) to First Things First, Inc. in Chattanooga, TN. This 3-year grant will fund the implementation of the Dads Making a Difference (DMD) and Songbird programs as court diversionary initiatives for noncustodial parents behind on child support payments and facing incarceration. The programs will provide educational resources on financial literacy and employment assistance to help participants retain jobs, remain current on child support, avoid recidivism, and spend more time with their children. The grant aims to enhance criminal justice operations and improve public safety in the Chattanooga area through these family-based alternative justice programs.

First things first (FTF) will implement the dads making a difference (DMD) and songbird programs as court diversionary initiatives for noncustodial parents behind in child support payments and facing incarceration. These programs will provide educational resources such as financial literacy and employment information to gain and retain jobs, helping participants remain current on their payments, avoid recidivism, and invest more time with their children.