LOS ANGELES COUNTY : Fathers Rights Group Protests at Courthouse

Waving placards saying, “We Do Exist,” and “Don’t Call a Sitter, Call Dad,” about 50 divorced and unwed fathers protested their “deadbeat dad” image Monday in front of the Los Angeles County Courthouse.

The fathers, members of “My Child Says Daddy,” said to be the nation’s first African American fathers rights organization, blamed the district attorney and family law courts--more than their ex-wives and girlfriends--for their plight. “The fathers pay child support, and don’t get to see their children,” said Paul Dancy, a postal worker from Los Angeles who is fighting for joint custody of his two children, ages 12 and 4. “I’m tired of being bashed,” he said.

One father said he had just received a bill from the district attorney for $6,000 in interest, even though his two children are over 18. Another said he has not seen his daughter in 11 years although 45% of his income is deducted for her support.

Family attorneys say higher state child support requirements now becoming effective have prompted fathers to seek more visitation in the belief that it will lower their payments. But the fathers claim they truly want to help raise their children. Group founder Reginald Brass said: “We’re trying to rebuild the family by putting fathers back in the home so our children won’t be gang members or on drugs, or become pregnant teen-agers.”