Meetings and Events

Fatherhood Council Meetings

The Fatherhood Council meets monthly on Zoom, usually the first Friday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to Noon. Meetings are open to anyone who has an interest in the Council’s goals. For invitations and agendas contact strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov. Meeting minutes will be posted below.

Nov. 7, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

Jan. 9, 2026

Feb. 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

April 3, 2026

May 1, 2026

June 5, 2026

July 3, 2026

Sept. 4, 2026

Oct. 2, 2026

Nov. 6, 2026

Dec. 4, 2026 

Dad Allies Initiative

Dad Allies Initiatives build community and program capacity to increase fatherhood specific education and support services so that father figures can become the fathers they want to be, and their children and families need them to be.

This work draws upon the tremendous system change successes of the Fathers Corps, a program of First 5 Alameda County.

Community Cafés

Community Cafés are events hosted with local service providers to bring fathers, providers, and supporters together. The goal is to lift fathers’ voices and encourage everyone to work toward offering more father-friendly services.

These events help build a strong foundation for positive community change. They create space for men to grow into the fathers they want to be for their children and families.

Who Can Attend?

  • Dads with lived experience in systems that support all kinds of families.
  • Service providers who work with children and families and want to better include fathers or offer father-specific services.
  • Advocates who want to reduce stress on families and support all caring adults in a child’s life.
  • Local state agency staff who are part of the systems fathers interact with when seeking services.

If you're interested in attending or hosting, please email dcyf.strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.

Upcoming Cafes

  • TBD

Provider Learning Series

These workshops are led by local and national experts who study or work with fathers and father figures. They focus on important issues fathers face today and offer education, guidance, and recommendations. The goal is to help build a strong network of providers who know how to support fathers in effective and father-friendly ways

Upcoming Events

  • Partnering with DCS and the Prosecuting Attorneys to Establish Parentage in Washington State
    Thursday, February 19, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  – Register Now  

    Establishing parentage is a complex and misunderstood process that is vital to establishing parental rights for fathers and their children. Experts from the Division of Child Support and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office show how we can work together to help families establish parentage for their children. They will provide technical knowledge and insights into how parentage is established in Washington State and how fathers can engage in the process.

Past Series

Annual Fatherhood Summit

Each year, we create space for dads and the people who support them to come together. We believe real change is possible, and that we can build understanding among service providers, community partners, state agencies, and policymakers. To do this, we need a place where we can have honest conversations and learn from one another.

Our Fatherhood Summits bring together:

  • Academics who share new and important research from across the country.
  • Practitioners who explain what they’ve learned about successfully engaging and supporting fathers.
  • Parents who share their personal struggles and the insights they’ve gained while working to become the fathers they want to be.

2024 Fatherhood Summit Recorded Sessions

2023 Fatherhood Summit Recorded Sessions