LANSING - Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has declared February as Responsible Fatherhood Awareness Month in Michigan.

Fathers who actively participate in their children's lives can help reduce the risk of childhood poverty, mental illness and substance abuse.

Children whose fathers are involved in their lives also have a reduced risk of juvenile delinquency, early sexual activity, teen pregnancies and are less likely to drop out of high school.

Two events will be held to increase awareness about the benefits of nurturing fathers:

• Take Your Dad to School Week, Feb. 16-20. The Michigan Fatherhood Coalition encourages teachers, principals, administrators and other school personnel to host father-friendly activities, allowing dads to share time with their children at school.
• 7th Annual Fatherhood Conference, March 11. Co-sponsored by the Michigan Head Start Association and the Michigan Fatherhood Coalition, the event will be held at the Kalamazoo Radisson Hotel.

"The Michigan Department of Human Services supports responsible fatherhood because positively involved fathers are paramount to improving child outcomes and creating safe, healthy family environments," said Debi Cain, executive director of the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, which is charged with efforts to reduce domestic violence in the state.

DHS has several programs aimed at improving outcomes for Michigan children through support for fathers, couples and co-parenting, and increasing awareness of the benefits to children who are nurtured, including the Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood initiatives.

For more information about responsible fatherhood, please visit www.michigan.gov/parenting. For more information on the 7th Annual Fatherhood Conference, visit www.mhsa.ws/.