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Washington Interagency Fatherhood Council

The Washington Interagency Fatherhood Council was born out of a catalytic two-day fatherhood summit held in June 2018 where 140 interested stakeholders, including 40 fathers with lived experience, attended. The summit was supported and facilitated by nineteen statewide non-profit, academic, government, and community lead organizations. The summit culminated in a voting process to determine action steps and priorities for the coming year. The number one priority was to establish an ongoing, statewide organization made up of representatives from public, private and non-profit organizations as well as fathers, who would work together to improve how fathers are supported in their vital role in raising their children. The Council was formed to meet this request and began meeting in the fall of 2018.

One this site, you will find more information about the Washington Interagency fatherhood Council our current work, and how you can become involved. You will also find more information on the early childhood devlopment initiatives the First 1,000 days and our history developing out of the Frontiers of Innovation. 

3rd Annual Washington Fatherhood Summit 

Our 3rd Annual Washington Fatherhood Summit (March 16-18) supported our mission of lifting the voices of fathers in Washington State by promoting fatherhood inclusion, equity, and value to strengthen families and maximize children’s potential. Visit the 2021 summit page for notes and resources.

Fatherhood Photo Bank

The Fatherhood Photo Bank is now live! Learn more here. 

Father Friendly Resource Map 

We have surveyed organizations across Washington to compiled a father-friendly  resource map of services. If you are a services provider not listed on our resource map, please take 3 minutes to complete our survey and we will add your organization. 

 

My dad is an important play partner and helps me grow a healthy brain!

-- Lamb, M. E. (2004). The role of the father in child development. 4th ed. Hoboken, N.J.: J. Wiley.
National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2020).

Dads can embrace a “caring masculinity” mindset, which tends to lead to healthier, happier kids.

-- Petts, R. J., Shafer, K. M., & Essig, L. (2018).
Does adherence to masculine norms shape fathering behavior? Journal of Marriage and Family, 80(3), 704-720. doi:10.1111/jomf.124

Toxic stress, such as a life in poverty, can have serious mental, physical, social-emotional, and behavioral consequences for children and can impact a child’s academic success, social connection, and economic stability. But there’s hope: an involved father can lessen the impact of these negative outcomes for a child in poverty!

-- Lee, J., & Schoppe-Sullivan, S.J. (2017). Resident fathers’ positive engagement, family poverty, and change in child behavior problems.
Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies, 66, 484-496. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering

Did you Know...

1 in 5 children live without a father in the home in Washington

-- The Annie E. Casey Foundation (2020)
Kids Count Data Center

Science tells us that we need to protect young brains from adversity to help them thrive in school and life. Working together toward our goal of reducing poverty in Washington State by 50% by 2025 allows us to create an upward spiral of possibilities to help ensure every child is able to achieve their full human potential.

-- David Stillman, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Social & Health Services Economic Services Administration

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