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A Comparative Review of State Commissions, Initiatives, and Programs Addressing Fatherhood Issues, National Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families, September 2001.

Introduction (excerpt):

As the Fatherhood field continues to evolve and develop, an increasing number of governors and state legislatures are creating, designating, or legislating "State Fatherhood Commissions" or "Fatherhood Initiatives." These commissions and initiatives vary widely in their scope, membership, organization, priorities, and funding. To date, there has been no comprehensive review conducted of these efforts that describes and compares the various strategies and approaches being undertaken by the states to address the issues related to fatherhood. At the request of the Georgia Office of Child Support Enforcement/Georgia Fatherhood Program, the National Practitioners Network undertook a survey project through which to develop such a comprehensive review.

The Georgia Office of Child Support Enforcement and the National Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families (NPNFF) are pleased to present this first edition of the Comparative Review of State Commissions, Initiatives, and Programs Addressing Fatherhood Issues. This project was undertaken in an attempt to create an up-to-date as possible summary of state government involvement in and support for the development of responsible fatherhood services. To accomplish this objective, NPNFF conducted a state-by-state survey through the use of a standardized survey form, follow-up telephone interviews and reminders, and e-mail contacts and follow-ups. Respondents were able to complete and submit the completed survey by postal mail or by e-mail.

Through this project, efforts were made to survey all 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine which have created some formal (governmentally established) Fatherhood Commission or Fatherhood Initiative, or a formal program established by one or more state government agencies to promote, fund, or guide locally-based services to target low-income noncustodial fathers. Whenever such entities were identified, we attempted to ascertain information on the method of establishment (Executive Order, legislation, agency directive, etc.), mission or charge, finances, programs and/or services, outcomes, current status, etc. This information is reported in a state-by-state comparative format for those states where we were able to identify the presence of such officially established entities.

To order a copy of this free publication, contact NPNFF at (800)-346-7633.