[§577E-1]  Findings and purpose.  The
legislature finds that, across the United States, there is a renewed
understanding of the unique importance of fathers in the lives of their
children, families, and communities.  It is widely recognized that children are
more likely to thrive with support, guidance, and nurturing from both parents. 
The absence of one parent from a child's life can place that child at a greater
risk of health, emotional, educational, and behavioral problems associated with
the child's development.  However, many young men today are themselves
fatherless, lack appropriate role models, and are in need of information and
education regarding the appropriate roles and responsibilities of fathers.



The legislature further finds that the role of
fathers in the raising of children and in the health and well-being of families
is often unintentionally overlooked in government contracts, programs, and
services dealing with children's health, welfare, and education.



It is the purpose of this chapter to
provide for a statewide program to promote healthy family relationships between
parents and children. [L 2003, c 156, pt of §2; am L 2005, c 148, §2; ree L
2006, c 232, pt of §1; am L 2007, c 190, §1]