The Divorced Fathers Network (DFN) helps dads help themselves. DFN members are advocates of shared parenting, The Divorced Fathers Network is dedicated to assisting fathers in parenting issues and helping them through a support group network.

Founded in 1988, the Divorced Fathers Network is a peer support, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, fathers and mothers by supporting engaged, effective, fathering during and after divorce.

As an education-based (fellowship) community, the Divorced Fathers Network offers peer counseling in co-parent training, conflict resolution, family law process, mediation, community resources and parenting skills. Participants learn how to:

• Create lifestyles that support co-parenting.

• Choose effective mediators, counselors, and attorneys.

• Negotiate custody agreements that benefit children.

• Utilize conflict resolution skills and communicate effectively with former spouses.

• Maintain ongoing parenting arrangements.

• Take care of themselves physically and emotionally throughout the divorce process.

• Appreciate the father's role as teacher and nurturer.

"DFN focuses extensively on the development of interpersonal skills that will lead to positive co-parenting arrangements which will ultimately benefit all family members." Thomas Rath DFN Member.

Divorced Fathers Network is a multifaceted nonprofit organization. Weekly free peer support meetings are one way for fathers and communities to help children with divorced parents. Fathers who want to start a Divorced Fathers Network in their community can email stevea18.aol.com for a DFN MEETING STARTUP KIT. Peer support for the launching of groups is available. Fathers Are Forever - A Co-Parenting Guide for the 21st Century is used as the basic text for meetings.

"I started with an ex-wife who refused to communicate. Five months after coming to the DFN group, and practicing what I learned, out of the blue she phoned and asked if I'd watch our daughter for a week . . . Miracles happen today we are co-parenting and I'm teaching other fathers how to do the same." Raymond.

There is community support from counselors, mediators, and social workers for networks of divorced fathers who promote co-parenting through education and peer support. Divorced dads who oppose litigation and discourage conflict are usually respected by those who work in family law.

"I expect that fathers can nurture their children just like mothers can nurture their children. We constantly put all the weight [of nurturing] onto the female. I want to take some of the weight of her and put it on the father, and I want to take some of the financial weight off the father and put it on the mother." Eloise Anderson, Director of California's Department of Social Services.

To start a Divorced Fathers Network, for products that encourage co-parenting, for information, or resources go to http://divorcedfathers.com