WHEREAS, Fathers are integral to families and provide a strong foundation for educational success and emotional well-being, which build pathways to economic mobility; and

WHEREAS, Fatherhood exists in many forms, including stepfathers, foster fathers, relative caregivers, and father figures; and

WHEREAS, Father involvement leads to increased childhood outcomes, such as school performance, physical and emotional development, and engagement in positive social activities; and

WHEREAS, Father involvement significantly supports the family, leading to healthier births, lower risk of postpartum depression, and reduced parenting stress; and

WHEREAS, Father well-being is critical to remaining involved and being a positive presence in their children’s lives, thereby building stronger bonds; and

WHEREAS, Father well-being includes physical and mental health, healthy relationships, parenting skills, financial stability, and quality time with children; and

WHEREAS, Father well-being fosters supportive and caring relationships, which reverses the effects of toxic stress; and

WHEREAS, Father well-being allows fathers to discover strengths and develop skills that create enduring success for themselves and their families; and

WHEREAS, Father well-being is hindered by the disproportionate systemic inequities that impact their ability to remain present in their children’s lives; and

WHEREAS, Fathers of color have been harmed by systemic racism that requires targeted investments to advance equity across educational, economic, housing, justice, and social institutions; and

WHEREAS, Father well-being can be supported through a comprehensive fatherhood program, inclusive of facilitated support groups that provide a safe, secure, and consistent environment, that builds and strengthens father-child relationships through an integrated network of supportive services; and

WHEREAS, Father well-being can be codified through dedicated state investments and the development of model guidelines for a whole family approach, inclusive of facilitated father support groups led by community-based organizations; and

WHEREAS, The State of California could advance the well-being of fathers by ensuring fathers are healthy, thriving, and empowered in the lives of their children, leading to socioeconomically stable and inclusive communities statewide; now, therefore, be it