Increasing father involvement in children’s lives strengthens families, which leads to happier, healthier, and safer communities.
Millions of families rely on human service organizations that traditionally focus on mothers, often overlooking the vital role fathers play. With one in four children growing up without a biological, step, or adoptive father, too many children are missing out on the benefits of an involved father.
Research shows that children with involved dads are more likely to have successful outcomes such as better performance in school, avoiding alcohol and substance abuse, and thriving economically and socially. National Fatherhood Initiative® was founded to empower human service organizations to help fathers be more involved in their children’s lives.
When you partner with National Fatherhood Initiative®, you get more than a program—you get a partner. We're here to support you on your journey to becoming a more father-inclusive organization and community.
9 in 10 human service organizations who worked with NFI significantly increased their capacity to include dads during the federally funded National Responsible Fatherhood Capacity Building Initiative.
We believe in a holistic approach that includes a focus dad’s vital role empowers human service organizations to tackle community issues at their core, resulting in stronger, more resilient families and communities.
Whole family approaches provide a framework for looking at problems and creating more sustainable solutions.
- Asend at the Aspen Institute
Our programs recognize and respect the distinct contributions that both parents make. We provide tailored resources and training to help organizations effectively engage fathers, ensuring that children benefit from the presence and involvement of both parents.
Cross-culturally, fathering is qualitatively different than mothering. As a result, fathers bring unique strengths to the parenting equation. - Father Facts, 9th Edition
Taking a preventative and proactive approach to community issues increases your organization's effectiveness. By equipping dads with the tools and knowledge they need to be actively involved, we foster healthier families and stronger communities from the start.
Involved fathers increase the chance of good outcomes for children such as avoiding poverty, food insecurity, substance abuse, school problems, and more.
- Father Facts, 9th Edition
Including fathers in your programs and services leads to stronger families, healthier communities, and better outcomes for children. Learn the four stages of father inclusion to discover where your organization stands in the journey to becoming father-inclusive.
We've been focused on increasing father involvement for 30 years. And while recent census data showed 76% of children are growing up with a father present—the highest in 30 years—there's more work to be done.
1 in 4 children live in a home without the presence of a biological, step, or adoptive father, enough children to populate New York City twice. Let's partner to actively include fathers as valuable parents and give every child an involved father.
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