Not too many family advocates argue that mothers and children should not have the resources government agencies have provided in the last thirty years. Lots of programs and laws out there for women and children. Families with women and children. Not too many for fathers and children. Maybe it’s time to even the score so that fathers have access to the same benefits. Here are some of the programs and laws designed and written especially for women:

• WIC provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.WIC

• WCFS is an organization of charitable organizations dedicated to meeting the needs of women, children and families. Women, Children and Family Service Charities

• The National Center for Research Assistance for Women and Families, “promotes the health and safety of women, children, and families, by using objective, research-based information to encourage new, more effective programs and policies. The Center achieves its mission by gathering and analyzing information and translating that information into clearly presented facts and policy implications that are made widely available to the public, the media, and policy makers.” Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Okay, how about fathers? . . . . . . Children and fathers . . . . national funding agencies . . . . ????

Some are beginning to include men in their services, but not many: Center for Urban Economic Development: University of Chicago. 1996. Did you catch that date? 1996.

Many communities have centers for women — they help their clients re-enter the workforce, provide seminars on divorce and finances, assist with childcare resources — all funded with local public funding. Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. Take a careful look at what the various states on this site provide. Notice how many are there to be sure dad is a really good wallet on two legs, and how many are putting their dollars into teaching young men to BE good fathers.

What do fathers need? The same thing mothers need. Help with workforce planning, information on economic assistance, resources for childcare, and sometimes, food, milk, cereal and peanut butter for the kids. Fathers deserve the same parenting resources as do mothers. It’s up to us to legislate for change. In some places, the community is beginning to recognize how important it is to give fathers the same kind of resources provided to mothers,