The authors are Tammika Fedrick and Frank Green
Protection & Prevention Capacity Building Coordinator, Division of Family Services
Virginia Department of Social Services
#ReconnectingFathers #FatherhoodAfterIncarceration #BreakingRecidivismCycles #FathersRebuildingLives #ReentryFamilySupport #IntentionalEngagement #FatherChildBonding #CollaboratingForFathers #FathersBuildingBridges #SystemicSupportForDads
#FatherhoodInVirginia  #VirginiaSocialServices #AdvocatingForDads #FamilyLeadershipInVA

Fatherhood is more than just a title—it is the cornerstone of family stability and a vital force shaping the futures of children, families, and entire communities. Yet, countless fathers, particularly those navigating challenges like reentry after incarceration, face systemic hurdles that threaten their ability to fulfill this essential role. At the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference – Building Bridges, we can explore groundbreaking solutions that empower fathers, uplift families, and strengthen communities. This transformative event, taking place April 8–11, 2025, at the Hilton LAX Hotel in Los Angeles, will bring together voices of experience, wisdom, and action to forge a brighter path forward.

With millions of children impacted by parental incarceration, this is not just a family issue—it’s a call to collective action. Together, we can reimagine fatherhood engagement, create bridges over systemic gaps, and build a future where every father has the tools to inspire, nurture, and lead. Join us as we collaborate with trailblazers like whose impactful work in Virginia is reshaping family dynamics and redefining what it means to support fathers.

Now is the time to unite, innovate, and act. Let’s build stronger families and communities, starting with the power of fatherhood.

Fatherhood is more than a role—it's a calling, a foundation for nurturing families' growth, stability, and resilience. Yet, fathers, particularly those navigating reentry after incarceration, often face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to participate in their children's lives fully. At the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference - Building Bridges, held April 8-11, 2025, at the Hilton LAX Hotel in Los Angeles, California, we invite you to explore and be part of the transformative strategies that can empower fathers and foster deeper family connections, offering hope and inspiration for the future.

With 92% of incarcerated parents being fathers and millions of children impacted by parental incarceration, this issue is not just a family matter—it's a community priority that demands our immediate attention. Join me, Tammika Fedrick, Protection & Prevention Capacity Building Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Social Services, and Frank Green, an Investigation Analyst for the Office of Children’s Ombudsman, as we share our insights, experiences, and actionable strategies to enhance fatherhood engagement in ways that uplift families and communities.

A Call to Action: Recognizing the Power of Fathers in Family Engagement

Fatherhood engagement begins with intentional identification, cultural responsiveness, and programs that reduce barriers to family connection. We must meet fathers where they are, honor their stories, and address systemic obstacles. At the core of this mission is recognizing the diverse and significant contributions fathers make—whether biological, adoptive, or father figures—and equipping them with tools to thrive within their families.

Why This Matters:

• Fathers shape the emotional and psychological well-being of children.
• Family engagement reduces recidivism and strengthens the fabric of our communities.
• Collaboration among agencies fosters sustainable solutions for systemic gaps.

By leveraging partnerships and innovative tools, we can transform how fathers are integrated into family engagement practices. This includes supporting reentry initiatives that promote rehabilitation and reconnection, giving fathers a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility.

Meet the Voices of Change: Tammika Fedrick & Frank Green

Tammika Fedrick, Protection & Prevention Capacity Building Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Social Services, has over 18 years of experience in social services, including leadership roles in child and adult welfare programs. With a Master’s degree in Community and Clinical Psychology, Tammika is an expert in building capacity within Virginia's child welfare system and leads the DFS fatherhood engagement initiatives. Her work ensures that prevention and protection efforts are linked to strengthening family outcomes.

Frank L. Green II serves as an Investigation Analyst for the Office of Children's Ombudsman under the Office of the Governor. A Virginia State University and Strayer University graduate with certifications in Trauma-Informed Advocacy and Fatherhood Facilitation, Frank has dedicated over 16 years to child welfare. His expertise spans therapeutic treatment, grant management, and community-based behavioral assessments. Frank's commitment to family reunification and fostering youth stability continues to drive systemic change across Virginia.

Join Us: Build Bridges to a Brighter Future

As we convene in Los Angeles, we call upon advocates, social workers, policymakers, educators, and community leaders to join the movement for stronger fatherhood engagement. Let's build bridges to overcome barriers, inspire change, and transform family dynamics, united in our shared goal and the power of collaboration.

Your Participation Can Make a Difference. Join the conversation, share your voice, and learn practical strategies to implement in your communities. We can empower fathers, support families, and build stronger communities for generations.

#FathersMatter #BuildingBridges2025 #FamilyEngagement #FatherhoodSupport

About the Authors

Tammika Fedrick: With over 18 years of expertise in social services, Tammika leads fatherhood engagement initiatives for the Virginia Department of Social Services, inspiring systemic change to enhance family outcomes.

Frank L. Green II: An advocate for children and families, Frank combines his background in public administration and trauma-informed care to promote stability and growth within the child welfare system.

We look forward to seeing you in Los Angeles this April!

Sources and Further Readings:

https://www.sentencingproject.org/app/uploads/2022/09/Parents-in-Prison.pdf

https://www.governor.virginia.gov/executive-actions/

https://americafirstpolicy.com/issues/fact-sheet-fatherhood-and-crime

https://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/prevention/cap/documents/what_is_fatherhood_engagement_info graphic.pdf