Counting Fathers Because Kids Matter
Thank you to the more than 300 fathers, local and state organizations and dad allies who attended the 2024 Fatherhood Summit. Together, we explored the findings of the Washington Fatherhood Study and spent the day discovering how we can work together to support fathers, children, families, and communities in Washington state.
If you were unable to attend or would like to revisit the event, we will be adding video links below as they become available.
- Welcome and Opening Remarks: by Lisa Yanagida, Chief of Staff, Department of Social and Health Services.
- Dads Panel of Lived Experience Experts: Fathers sharing their experiences and hopes for greater access, inclusion and belonging in our child and family systems. Dads Panel Video
- Nurture Connection for Fathers, Families and Communities: Plenary by David Willis MD, Behavioral Development Pediatrician, Senior Fellow National Center for the Study of Social Policy and founder of Nature Connection: A Foundation for Flourishing. Presentation Slides
- Celebrate Dads and Dad Allies Awards: Learn about the amazing dads and dad allies who were celebrated at the event for their efforts to make Washington a great place to parent and raise children. Awards Ceremony Video
- Accomplishments, Learnings and Inspiration: Presented by fatherhood pioneer Kimberly Dent, Director of Ohio State Fathers Commission. Presentation Slides 5 State Case Studies
- Findings and Grounding Narrative – State of Fatherhood in Washington: Presented by researcher and father ally Holly Schindler, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the University of Washington and Associate Fellow at Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child. Presentation Slides
- State Agency Leadership Panel - Reflections on Study Learnings, Opportunities and Commitments: State of Fatherhood in Washington - Executive Summary. Agency Leadership Panel Video
- Employment Security Department: Employment Connections – Norton Sweet, Regional Director. ESD Slide
- Department of Corrections: Re-entry Division – Danielle Armbruster, Assistant Secretary. DOC Study Slides
- Department of Children, Youth, and Families: Region 6 – Judy King, Director of Family Support Programs, Partnership and Collaboration. DCYF Study Slides
- Department of Social and Health Services: Economic Services Administration – Terry Redmon, Assistant Secretary.
- Health Care Authority: Medicaid – Jason McGill, Assistant Director for Medicaid Programs. HCA Study Slides
- Department of Health: State Health – Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, Chief Science Officer. DOH Study Slides
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Table Groups: Deep Dive Discussions into Content Areas, Next Steps and Commitment to Action: Participants chose topics to dive into and discuss. Click the list below to read the notes from each topic.