American Humane Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Father's Day.

Works to Improve Relationships between Fathers and Their Children in the Child Welfare System

DENVER -- As the 100th anniversary of Father's Day approaches, the American Humane Association wants to remind everyone of the irreplaceable role fathers can play in the lives of their children -- and the importance of involved fathers is underscored by research: mothers and fathers play important roles in the lives of their children and children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem and exhibit empathy, according to National Fatherhood Initiative.

This anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the fathers who not only provide financially for their children but who are also emotionally and spiritually involved in their children's day-to-day lives. At the same time, it's important to not lose sight of the fathers who, for a multitude of reasons, are not as involved in their children's lives as they need to be. This Father's Day, let us remember the importance of providing the encouragement, support and resources dads, both within and outside the child welfare system, need.

To understand and address the needs some of these fathers have, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau funded American Humane and its partners, the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, and National Fatherhood Initiative, to create the National Quality Improvement Center on Non-Resident Fathers and the Child Welfare System (QIC-NRF).

American Humane and its partners designed the QIC-NRF to promote additional knowledge development regarding the engagement of non-resident fathers and their kin with their children who are involved in the child welfare system. This focus for the project came as a result of the federal Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs) and the "What About the Dads?" report prepared by The Urban Institute. Both the CFSRs on state child welfare systems and the "What About the Dads?" report indicate there is very little meaningful engagement occurring between children in the child welfare system and their fathers.

This Father's Day weekend, the QIC-NRF will staff a booth at the "Be There for Your Kids" 2009 Colorado Fatherhood Rally on June 20 at the Meadows in Denver's City Park. A similar rally, the Responsible Fatherhood National Rally, will be held in Washington, D.C., on the same day. At both events, and at related rallies nationwide, fathers and their families will make a pledge to be more committed to their children's lives.

Tips for Fathers

* Make meal time an open time to talk with your children about their day.

* Take time off and visit your children at their school to remind them you care.

* Make time for a special monthly outing or one-on-one time that each child can always look forward to.

* Designate time with your children to try out the latest games, music or hobbies that interest them.

For more information about the American Humane Association please visit www.americanhumane.org.