Since the 1960s, all 50 states have adopted a gender-neutral “best-interest standard” for determining custody. Yet some people argue that the biases of the tender years doctrine persist, since only one in six custodial parents in America are fathers. Similarly, people used to think that most men weren’t interested in active parenting. Many fathers want to actively be involved in their children’s lives—they want to help them learn survival and life skills, encourage them, build their self-esteem, teach them responsibility, and help them be a team player. There are several organizations around the country that focus on supporting and maintaining fathers’ rights, both in family courts and through legislative action. Fathers’ rights organizations help educate fathers on their rights and action plans for shared custody. Additionally, father-involved custody encourages men to create strong relationships with their kids. In pursuit of social and legal justice, CRC serves to protect the best interest of children in custody cases. They strive to facilitate regular interactions between non-custodial parents and their children and also advocate for child custody reform. The Children’s Rights Council has multiple service locations in Maryland. The organization offers services related to:
Access and transfer centersMonitored exchange and supervised parenting time (visitation)Pre- and post-service facilitationParental and family educationDomestic education and training for parents and guardiansMediationParent/child and/or sibling visits for children in different homes
NPO has affiliates in many states to provide volunteer opportunities and resources in support of their family court reform mission. You can start your own affiliate organization or join a current one, currently available in the following states:
AlabamaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoKansasKentuckyMassachusettsMinnesotaMissouriNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandTexasUtahVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsin
Fathers looking for information and a support network about divorce and child custody can explore the Cordell & Cordell’s Men’s Divorce Podcast by the same producers. There is also a forum that connects fathers in similar situations. Additional resources provided include:
Divorce guides which help dads with the divorce process and financial aspects men often face.An attorney directory for men to find divorce and child custody attorneys in their state.Popular sub-forums involving tips from other men who have also experienced divorce before. Subjects include parenting, technology, finances, and more.
There is also an online resource page regarding additional organizations in the U.S. like The Fatherhood Coalition in MA and National Congress for Fathers and Children. Fathers can also find information on domestic violence and false allegations against men, select attorneys, publications, and online support. Get information on upcoming rallies, volunteer opportunities, and news. There are also resources like books, state documents and forms, and child support advice. For example, their fact sheet says that children who have equal and meaningful contact with two fit parents are less likely to:
Drop out of schoolRun away from homeBecome pregnant or have an abortionDie by suicideSeek or create an abusive relationshipCommit crimesTurn to drugs or alcohol
Fathers looking for parenting support can use the network to understand the importance of fathers in regard to their child’s development: “There’s an awful lot of cultural belief that fathers are second-class citizens,” said Joe Kelly, who founded the national advocacy nonprofit Dads and Daughters. “We’re not more important than moms, or less. We’re different.” FER provides information on a child’s right to have quality access to both of their parents and provides low-cost documentation preparation, reduced cost DNA testing, free notary services, and additional benefits to individuals and family members.
