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Governor Doyle Declares June Fathers Make a Difference Month

 

At the request of the Fatherhood Partnership, Governor Jim Doyle issued an official proclamation declaring June to be Fathers Make a Difference Month across the State of Wisconsin.  This marks the second consecutive year in which the Governor has issued such a proclamation, a clear indication of the importance Wisconsin’s statewide and community-based leadership places on strengthening fathers and reducing fatherlessness. (To download a copy of the 2010 Fathers Make a Difference Month proclamation, click HERE.)

 

One out of every five children in Wisconsin lives in a household headed by a single mother, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  One in three children nationally lives without a father in the home and researchers estimate that up to half of all American children may spend at least part of childhood separated from their fathers, according to the National Fatherhood Initiative.

 

While many single mothers have done an extraordinary job in raising well-rounded children who are thriving, studies have shown that fathers positively involved in their children’s lives have a unique contribution to make toward their healthy development.  Nurturing fathers contribute to children’s higher intellect, greater self-control, and heightened academic success.  Conversely, fatherlessness is associated in research with a greater likelihood of youth developing mental health conditions, alcohol and other drug abuse, incarceration, and poverty.

 

The Fatherhood Partnership joins Governor Jim Doyle in calling for all residents, businesses, faith-based institutions, community-based organizations, and local governments to become aware of the importance of responsible fatherhood to our social fabric and future competitiveness, and encourage fathers to support their children emotionally, physically, and financially.