ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Being a father is tough work. You are responsible for part of the development of a human being, and there’s no instruction manual for being a dad.

So, it’s no wonder that some fathers need a few pointers. That’s what the “County Fatherhood Initiative” program is for.

The program, which is offered twice a year in Robertsdale and Bay Minette works with noncustodial parents on issues of child support and other aspects of parenting. While many of the program participants are court-ordered to be there, some do sign up for the program hoping to become better fathers.

That’s the case with “Ricardo” (Not his real name. Names of class participants have been changed to protect their privacy.) Ricardo is married now but has an 11-year-old daughter by a previous relationship that broke up about four years ago. He works in construction.

“Me and the ex are going through a battle right now,” said Ricardo.

Ricardo wants to gain custody of his daughter or at least regular visitation with her, and his daughter’s mother is balking. He thinks voluntarily joining the class might help his chances.

“I like coming to class,” he said. “It is teaching me to become a better parent.”

Ricardo had one other message.

“Would you tell Christina (his wife) that I love her very much,” he asked.

For “Ramon,” attending the class was a bit of a surprise. He has three children, two with his current wife. The children are 17, 11, and 6 years of age.

“I went back for a modification (of his child support agreement) because I am not working and they sent me here,” he said.

Ramon said he hoped to get a job, but while the class is not what he expected, he did say, “A lot of this stuff is useful in everyday life.”

We’re at the halfway point (in the classes) now, and I handle situations with my ex better,” Ramon said.

Bill Morgan is a case manager with the Department of Human Resources, and runs the program, which despite its name isn’t just for men.

“We’ve had women in the program,” he said.

“The class was founded in 2004 with a $50,000 grant from Montgomery,” said Morgan.

While primarily a parenting class, the program participants can get some job help from Morgan.

“If the guys need jobs,” he said, “I point them in the right direction.” He added that he works with the Career Center and other county resources to help members of he program find work.

But, that is hard in today's economy.

“Most of the guys were in the building trades,” Morgan said. “Those jobs have dried up. I had one man who was a mason picking okra.”

Morgan stresses he’s “not a lawyer,” but can point members of his class to legal resources.

Morgan has a lot of experience teaching He was a teacher at Fairhope High, and has spent many years as an administrator and counselor in alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs.

“Sometimes parents have issues,” Morgan said. “The court is looking at this as a way to help the family as well.”

The program is successful at collecting child support payment, Morgan says.

“Last year, we collected $115,000 in child support. The program statewide costs about $50,000. I think it has paid its way.”