A Critical Problem... Fatherlessness

Currently, more than 27 million children-39% of all US children-now live apart from their father. In a typical year, well over one-third of these children won't even see their dad. More than half of all European-American children and three-quarters of all African-American children born since 1975 will live some portion of their formative years with only one parent; and in the vast majority of these cases, it's the father who is absent.

Research shows that the costs of fatherlessness are high. Children with little or no contact with their fathers are more likely to drop out of school and become involved in drug and alcohol abuse; girls are more likely to become pregnant as teens, and boys are more likely to become involved in crime and violence.Unfortunately, even when a father is physically present in the home, he may be emotionally absent. Often, men don't know how to effectively involve themselves in the lives of their children.

A Powerful Solution ... Fatherfullness

Any review of the current public discussion on fathering, or any review of recent fathering literature, reveals that significant energy is focused on the negative aspects of fathering. This leaves a void for a positive, proactive voice for father full ness - the benefits of father involvement in the lives of children.

The National Center for Fathering was founded to be that voice, and to be a resource for men seeking to strengthen their fathering skills. With a staff of highly skilled researchers, writers, speakers and seminar instructors, the Center is positioned to become America's leading resource for fathers.The National Center has developed a variety of useful, "how to" resources, all based on sound research data. With these resources, and the help of other men, we believe men can discover, develop and enhance their fathering...and become the dads their children desperately need.

How the NCF helps men become better fathers:

Building on one of the nation's largest databases on fathers and fathering, the National Center focuses on providing practical, "how-to" oriented resources for dads.

  • The National Center for Fathering reaches dads with encouragement and practical tips on a daily basis through this web site at www.fathers.com and a nationwide radio program.

  • The National Center for Fathering offers a wide variety of live seminars and small group materials designed to help men take a giant leap forward in their fathering. These are all tailored to specific audiences, including businesses, civic groups, social service organizations, hospitals, schools, and faith communities.

  • The National Center works with and through other organizations who have existing relationships with fathers or their families. The Center provides testimony to legislative bodies and serves as a resource for social agencies, the government, the media, and the private sector.
What Leaders Say...

"Businesses succeed when they have a vision for the future and a plan to achieve it. The National Center for Fathering helps fathers develop a vision and plan for their role as a dad."
Joe R. Lee, CEO, Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Red Lobster and The Olive Garden
"I am deeply impressed with the National Center for Fathering, both for its vision and its practical application. It is a terrific resource for both dads and organizations that work with dads."
Jack Kemp, former Secretary
of Housing and Urban Developmen
"The National Center for Fathering is winning wide recognition for its pioneering efforts on behalf of fathers and fathering. Because of the importance of this issue, I urge your support of the Center and its programs."
Donald Fraser, eight term US Congressman,
former mayor of the City of Minneapolis,
former president of the National League of Cities
"No one is speaking with as much knowledge and authority on fathering issues as Dr. Ken Canfield and the National Center for Fathering."

Gary Smalley and John Trent, Ph.D.
Authors and Conference speakers

 

Website: www.fathers.com