This report provides information on why fathers matter, the role of non-resident fathers, strategies for involving non-resident fathers, and resources on fathers and families.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) received a Special Improvement Project Grant (SIP Grant) to implement a demonstration project to evaluate various strategies to achieve better outcomes for the child support program when working with low-income noncustodial parents. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Hennepin County Child Support Division (HCCSD). This report describes the project and findings.

The Urban Institute, with the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, conducted the Study of Fathers' Involvement in Permanency Planning and Child Welfare Casework. This study reviewed the extent to which child welfare agencies identify, locate, and involve nonresident fathers in case planning. This paper reviews the results of the study on the steps that child welfare agencies take with engaging nonresidential fathers,; possible barriers, and the policies that affect involvement.