Background:

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19. Research demonstrates that even from birth, children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure and, as they grow older, have better social connections. Research further reveals that an active and nurturing style of fathering is associated with better verbal skills and intellectual functioning in children.

With fathers actively engaged, children are less vulnerable to the risks of childhood poverty, mental illness, juvenile delinquency, youth sexual activity, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and failure to complete high school.

Led by the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, several county agencies and partners collaborate on helping fathers gain parenting and co-parenting skills, increase educational attainment, and work toward economic self-sufficiency, family health and well-being.

Fairfax County’s private and public sectors are joining together to raise public awareness of the importance of fatherhood and the impact of a father's engagement with his children and family.  It is important to celebrate those supportive roles that fathers have for their children.

Motion:

Therefore, I move that the Board of Supervisors proclaim June 2022 as Fatherhood Awareness Month and request that staff prepare a proclamation to be presented to the Department of Family Services at a June Board meeting.