Resources and Tips for Fathers
Father Facts
- Children do better when fathers are involved in their lives. They're more likely to enjoy school, get involved in extracurricular activities, and to graduate.
- Children in foster care are more likely to be placed with their fathers if those fathers are adequately involved while their children are in state care.
The goal of Responsible Fathering is to provide men with support and services to help them be fully involved dads. The initiative shines a light on ways to provide services that engage fathers - even if those fathers do not currently live in their children's homes, or aren't actively involved in their children's lives. We are also working with national fatherhood organizations to get a larger view on engaging fathers.
A father is an important part of a family, and his love and care is critical to the development of healthy children. An involved father can make a big difference in how children deal with the challenges of life from day to day. Our mission is to give men, and their families, the support and services they need to be fully involved dads.
Children are more likely to enjoy school, take part in extracurricular activities, and graduate from high school more when their fathers are active in their lives. When fathers are involved, their children are less likely to fail a grade, miss school, or misbehave at school.
As CPS focuses more and more on the family, we gain a better understanding of the importance of fathers. Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) conferences, for instance, gives fathers a chance to voice their values and concerns to everyone involved in their case. Kinship care allows the extended families of both mothers and fathers to overcome or prevent abuse and neglect.
Ways CPS can get and keep fathers involved
- Make fathers feel respected.
- Don't focus on child safety without concern for fathers.
- Help fathers improve their parenting skills.
- Don't call on fathers only as a last resort.
- Make a diligent effort to find fathers because mothers don't always give information on where to find fathers.
- Consider the father and his family as well as the mother's family when looking for a safe place for a child to live.
- Follow-up with fathers consistently about the services CPS offers children.
- Support fathers who are battling addiction.
- Seek input from fathers before making decisions about children in a CPS case.