Parental divorce or separation should not mean that children lose the love and care of one of their parents.

Families Need Fathers seeks to obtain the best possible blend of both parents in the lives of children; enough for the children to realise that both parents are fully involved in their lives. Legally, parents should be of equal status. Responsibilities and obligations, caring and financial, should be fairly shared between the parents.

FNF is firstly a social care organisation, helping parents whose children's relationship with them is under threat. We offer information, advice and support services for parents on how to do the best for their children. We are the only organisation that provides these services on a national basis.

Families Need Fathers is a registered UK charity which provides information and support to parents, including unmarried parents, of either sex. FNF is chiefly concerned with the problems of maintaining a child's relationship with both parents during and after family breakdown. Founded in 1974, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.

Annual Membership costs less than a few minutes of a solicitor's time, and gives access to a wide range of information and support that is beyond the scope of some lawyers.

  • Children have a right to a continuing loving relationship with both parents
  • Children need to be protected from the harm of losing contact with one parent
  • Both parents should be treated equally and shared parenting should be encouraged
  • Each parent has a unique contribution to make to their children's development
  • The Family Courts should be backed by a nationally funded mediation service
  • Litigation is not the preferred route for resolving post separation children's matters
  • We work to increase awareness of the problems of family breakdown
  • We produce booklets, leaflets, a website and a regular newsletter
  • We hold local self-help branch meetings throughout the UK
  • We provide support to members through our online Forum
  • We operate a national helpline as a member of the Telephone Helplines Association
  • We have a network of volunteer telephone contacts
  • We run Parenting Support workshops
  • We provide speakers and case studies for the press and media
  • We participate in family policy forums and seminars
  • We respond to government consultations
  • We lobby Parliament and the legal profession
  • We collate and promote relevant research information