Fathers in Focus 2025
Interested in hosting a breakout session?
We’re seeking outstanding individuals to lead breakout sessions on conference track topics. Exclusively facilitated by men and fathers, these sessions foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among fathers, practitioners, and stakeholders—creating a dynamic platform for sharing insights and engaging in impactful discussions.
For Fathers By Fathers
A groundbreaking event dedicated to empowering fathers and
promoting positive fatherhood practices. This full-day conference
aims to inspire, educate, and support fathers in their vital roles within
families and communities.
Curious About What to Expect at the Fathers In Focus Conference?
Agenda & Tracks
FRIDAY, OCT. 3RD 2025 • MONONA TERRACE • MADISON, WI
Track 1:
Co-Parenting
In this track, we focus on fostering healthy and cooperative co-parenting relationships. Sessions will explore effective communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and ways to prioritize the well-being of your children while navigating co-parenting challenges. Whether you’re newly separated or have been co-parenting for years, these sessions will provide valuable insights and tools to help you and your co-parent work together more effectively.
Track 2:
Relationship and Parenting Skill Building
This track is designed to help you strengthen your relationships with your children and partner. Sessions will cover
This track is designed to help you strengthen your relationships with your children and partner. Sessions will cover topics such as building strong emotional bonds with your children, effective discipline strategies, and nurturing healthy relationships within your family. Whether you’re a new parent or looking to enhance your parenting skills, these sessions will provide practical tips and advice to support you on your parenting journey.
Track 3:
Child Support and Finances
Managing child support and finances can be challenging. In this track, we offer sessions that provide guidance on navigating child support agreements, budgeting tips for single parents, and strategies for managing financial responsibilities. Whether you’re seeking advice on negotiating child support or looking for ways to improve your financial literacy, these sessions will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.
Track 4:
Custody Challenges
Custody arrangements can present unique challenges for fathers. This track offers sessions that address common custody issues, legal considerations, and strategies for advocating for your parental rights. Whether you’re facing a custody battle or seeking to modify an existing arrangement, these sessions will provide valuable information and support to help you navigate the complexities of custody challenges.
Track 5:
Mental Health
Maintaining your mental health is essential for being the best parent you can be. This track offers sessions that focus on mental health and well-being, including stress management techniques, coping strategies, and resources for seeking help. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, these sessions will provide valuable insights and tools to help you prioritize your mental health.
Track 6:
Justice-Involved Families
Navigating the justice system can be overwhelming, especially for families. This track offers sessions that provide guidance on supporting your family through legal challenges, understanding your rights, and accessing resources for justice-involved families. Whether you’re dealing with incarceration, legal issues, or reentry, these sessions will provide valuable information and support to help you navigate this complex system.
Co-Chairs
Dr. Alvin Thomas
Host of the Webby Nominated “Black Fatherhood” podcast
Dr. Danielle Hairston- Green,
Director, Human Development and Relationships Institute
Social Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Dress Code?
There is no dress code for this event. We only encourage you to dress comfortably but picture ready as we will have photographers and media on site and we want to make sure we capture your best side.
Is there a Fee?
The conference is free. This is made possible by the generous support of our platinum sponsor, the UW Madison School of Human Ecology and the Division of Extension, which is a testament to the power of collaboration. We invite further partnerships to enhance our impact and extend our reach.
Are Children allowed?
We love the children! However, this event is designed to provide a professional development and networking experience exclusively for you. We are not able to provide childcare during this event but hope we could provide resources in the future.
Are there places to eat?
There are plenty of places to grab a bit to eat in the surrounding area. But you are in luck. We will be providing breakfast, Lunch and snacks for all of our participants during the conference starting at 7:30 am. Your tummy will be happy.
Can I be a speaker at this event?
Although our ‘Call for presenters’ has officially closed, we are happy to connect with you to discuss ways in which you could be an active part of this day. Please feel free to reach out to us at FathersInFocus@extension.wisc.edu
Are you looking for Sponsors?
Absolutely! The more sponsors that we have to support this event the better the experience will be for the participants and presenters. We are happy to discuss your potential sponsorship. Please feel free to reach out to us at FathersInFocus@extension.wisc.edu
Will there be any special accommodations for individuals with physical, visual, hearing or language limitations?
That’s a fantastic question. We are working with our Office of Access and Inclusion to ensure that all registrants who have indicated the need for special accommodations are supported. If you have registered and did not indicate that you may need these services, please feel free to make requests for reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to educational programs as early as possible preceding the scheduled program, service, or activity. For communicative accommodations in languages other than English, please contact oaic@extension.wisc.edu.
For communicative accommodations based on a disability, please contact Heather Lipinski Stelljes at: heather.stelljes@wisc.edu for the public.
Are there any hotels nearby for participants traveling further distances?
Absolutely for our participants who may be travelling long distances to participate in this event, there are plenty of places that will accommodate your needs for housing. Here are a few to choose from:
Other Resources for Fatherhood
Classes and Supports for Fathers
We offer classes and supports designed for dads and open to all. Our classes are informed by our own research and the best science has to offer.
Wisconsin Fatherhood Needs Assessment
This report demonstrated the many challenges fathers face in being present for their children and highlighted the need to re-evaluate how we as a culture value fathers, fatherhood, and parenting more broadly.
The Black Fathers Pulse
The myth of the “Absent Black Father” harms American culture and the mental health of Black men and families. Hosted by Dr. Alvin Thomas, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, The Black Fathers’ Pulse Podcast works to dismantle this myth. Through conversations with Black authors, artists, and academics, it explores issues facing Black fathers and celebrates Black Fatherhood.
Fatherhood Responsibility Program
Our Fatherhood Program works to enhance children’s well-being through the support and development of fathers. We are especially interested in helping non-custodial fathers who may be struggling with child support arrearages.
DAD Project
The Direct Assistance to Dads (DAD) Project is a free, voluntary program that provides home visits to fathers and their families.
Wisconsin Fathers
We are working to ensure there is a guaranteed way to ensure a child has an unbreakable bond with both parents. Communication while at times difficult, helps with positive and consistent parenting skills and ensures that both parents are engaged in their shared children’s lives.
100 Black Men
100 Black Men of Madison, Inc. seeks to serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing our diverse talents to create environments where our children are motivated to achieve, and to empower our people to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we serve.
WI Department of Children & Families
Along with a variety of community partners, we are working to connect fathers with the resources they need to acquire family and social skills, attain employment and be able to provide financial, emotional and social support for their children.
Milwaukee Fatherhood Coalition
The Milwaukee Fatherhood Coalition is a collaborative partnership dedicated to promoting the positive involvement of both parents in the lives of their children.
The Parenting Network
By engaging fathers we hope to strengthen our community by increasing a father’s awareness of his essential role in his family. All classes use evidence-based curriculum and are conducted by a trained facilitator.
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
Are you looking for a fatherhood program in your community? Our Responsible Fatherhood Program Map can help you connect with state and local responsible fatherhood programs and resources.
New Pathways For Fathers & Families
Community Advocates recognizes that kids need strong, independent, and caring moms and dads. That’s why we’ve partnered with Milwaukee County in their New Pathways for Fathers and Families program for dads who want to learn how to become better fathers.
The Fatherhood Depot blog
The Fatherhood Depot is a transformative blog dedicated to exploring the multifaceted journey of modern fatherhood. Through thoughtful articles addressing everything from digital parenting to generational healing, we empower men to break free from traditional stereotypes and develop authentic relationships with their children. Our diverse content reflects the real experiences of fathers navigating personal growth, cultural representation, and family dynamics in today’s world.
I AM DAD
The I AM DAD. Podcast is an exploration of insight, information and inspiration for dads, their families, the people who love and those that support them.
