Department of Human Services

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CONTESTS!   

The Hawaii State Commission on Fatherhood wants to hear from students and get them involved! There are three upcoming opportunities open to current students. Each contest  earns winners cash prizes.

Enter our essay contest and tell us about your biological dad, step-dad adoptive dad or non-related dad figure. We know parent-child relationships are complex and not always smooth sailing, so we want to hear about your positive and negative experiences with your dad.  

OR       

Enter our logo and slogan competitions. Create a logo and/or a slogan that will represent our Commission in everything we do.

Essay Flyer   Essay Contest Rules   Logo and Slogan Contests   Logo Contest Rules

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The Mission
The mission of the Hawaii State Commission on Fatherhood (COF) is to promote healthy family relationships by emphasizing the important role fathers play in the lives of their children. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to state agencies and makes recommendations on programs, services, contracts, policies, and laws relating to children and families.

About the Commission on Fatherhood
An increasing body of evidence indicates that children are more likely to thrive with the support, guidance, and nurturing of both parents. Yet, many children across the country are growing up without fathers. As a result, they may lack appropriate male role models and face greater risks of health, emotional, educational, and behavioral problems during their developmental years.

Motivated by a renewed understanding of a father’s vital role in family and community life, the 2003 Hawaii State Legislature established the Commission on Fatherhood through Act 156; in June 2007, Hawaii Act 190 made it permanent. The commissioners operate independently, but the commission is administratively attached to the Department of Human Services. Four standing committees implement Commission projects and activities:

• Information and Education
• Polices and Practices
• Public Relations and Promotion
• Events and Recognition

The State of Fathers in the State of Hawaii (2015) – A collaboration between the Commission on Fatherhood and the UH Center on the Family, the study provides a snapshot of the state of fathers across Hawaii. The study also identifies the number, characteristics, and geographical distribution of fathers, and highlights differences and similarities between Hawaii and mainland populations.

Fatherhood Commission Brochure

2013-2014 Fatherhood Commission Strategic Plan

Hawaii and National Fatherhood Resources

Want to Serve as a member of the Fatherhood Commission?

The Commission on Fatherhood regularly recruits individuals to serve and to vote on issues. To learn how you can help fulfill the Commission’s mission, call the Governor’s Office of Boards & Commissions at (808) 586-0034 or send and email to [email protected]. Visit the Governor’s Office of Boards & Commissions website at https://boards.hawaii.gov

Commission Meetings
Commission meetings are open to the public and are generally held the third Tuesday of each month from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm in the Lieutenant Governor’s Conference Room. To confirm the meeting time and location, send an email to [email protected]

2015 Meeting Agendas
September 15, 2015
August 25, 2015
June 2, 2015
May 19, 2015
April 1, 2015 – Special Meeting
March 17, 2015
Feb. 17,2015
Jan. 20,2015

2015 Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2015
May 19, 2015
April 21, 2015
March 27, 2015
Feb. 17, 2015
2013 & 2014 Archives

Funding
The Commission on Fatherhood receives both State and private funds. HRS § 577E-7 provides that: “The commission shall administer funds appropriated or allocated for its work and shall be authorized to accept, disburse, and allocate funds that may become available from other governmental and private sources; provided that all such funds shall be disbursed or allocated in compliance with any specific designation stated by the donor and, in the absence of any specific designation, the funds shall be disbursed or allocated on projects related to any of the purposes of this chapter.”