We have long belived that family is defined through the eyes and heart of a child. 

A child simply sees their parents and family caregivers.  A child feels them and carries them in their hearts.  A child doesn't label their parents them as custodial or noncustodial, as our laws and social welfare systems do. 

If we are truly committed to building a safety net around a child, it is imperative that we design a social policy that engages and supports both parents and their respective families.  It is critical that we celebrate and support both parents and extended families if we are intent on improving the well-being of their children.  Otherwise, we are preventing a child's access to half of their safety net and half of their potential caregivers and relatives.

We have been working for over 30 years to engage fathers in their children's lives, as caregivers, providers and nurturers.  We've worked with community partners to develop and test service models that educate, support and empower fathers in the lives of their children.  We have found that fathers are eager for this support. 

We've worked hard to advocate for perinatal health services and early childhood programs that engage and include fathers in their services. Social policy is slow to catch up to this movement.

Please join us in supporting this vision.