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Project Description

The National Quality Improvement Center on Non-Resident Fathers and the Child Welfare System (QIC NRF) is a collaborative effort between the American Humane Association , the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, and National Fatherhood Initiative and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau.

The purpose of this project is to determine, through a research design, the impact of non-resident father involvement on child welfare outcomes. Child welfare outcomes include child safety, permanence, and well-being. Included in this design is the examination of the relationship between children, non-resident fathers, and/or paternal relatives. Throughout this project, information gained from the QIC NRF will be disseminated through this Web site and to the Children’s Bureau, sub-grantees, child welfare agencies, private service providers, the courts, legal systems and other stakeholders.

Information about the QIC process | "Bringing Back the Dads" Information Sheet | Abstract

Tools for Judges on Engaging Fathers in Child Welfare Cases

Judge Len Edwards (ret.) has produced four videos vignettes providing practical guidance to judges on locating and involving fathers.

The Father Friendly Check-Up For Child Protection Courts

Here is a document that can help make your court more "father-friendly"! The purpose of this self-assessment instrument is to help courts take an active, positive approach in creating an environment that involves fathers and fosters the healthy development of children.


This tool is an adaptation of the Father Friendly Check-Up created by the National Fatherhood Initiative. It will help you assess the degree to which your court’s operations encourage father involvement in the courtroom and through the court’s administrative functions.


You may download a copy of this at this link.


Materials for Lawyers, Judges, and Others

Questions or Comments

Have information that you would like to see added? Have questions about navigating the web site? Click here to email your questions or comments.

Four Model Intervention/Evaluation Projects Funded to Enhance Father Engagement in the Child Welfare System

The National Quality Improvement Center on Non-Resident Fathers and the Child Welfare System, in late February 2008, announced the funding of four projects that will test model intervention and evaluation project initiatives that, through systemic collaborations, we hope will strengthen positive father engagement in the child welfare system. These projects are with:

To view information about these projects, click here

This QIC NRF is being operated under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau.

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