We aim to increase the capacity of Michigan programs that engage and deliver services to fathers, to improve the well-being of their children through positive, supportive father involvement. Father-serving programs increase employability resulting in greater economic security for their children, improve co-parenting skills, and increase involvement in their children’s development and education.
To achieve our objectives, we will establish the Michigan Father Practitioner Network (MFPN) to provide technical assistance, sponsor capacity-building training, and engage the voices of fathers and practitioners to address key policy issues. Building on the success of our collaborative structure (Michigan Action Plan for Father Involvement), MFPN will become an independent non-profit membership organization which will allow for sustainability, expansion, and the collective efforts of grassroots programs around the state.
MFPN partners include our strong relationships with Detroit organizations (where Bomani Gray leads the Metro Detroit Father Policy Group) and other areas where large populations of fathers of color reside and concentrated poverty has the greatest toll on the well-being of children. Our current advisory group also includes judges and court personnel, DHHS staff representing key agencies, among other key stakeholders.
By building MFPN, we will help to give Michigan’s children a father-fueled future - building stronger families and more equitable communities.
