# Both Parents Matter

Both Parents Matter (formerly [Families Need Fathers]), founded in 1974, is a registered charitable social care organisation in the United Kingdom that offers information, advice, and support to parents whose children's relationship with them is under threat during or after divorce or separation, or who have been alienated or estranged from their children. Both Parents Matter also advocates for shared parenting, more time for children with their non-resident parent, and stronger court actions when a resident parent defies court orders requiring them to allow their children a relationship with the other parent. The organisation's goal is that children of divorce or separation should not lose the love and care of one of their parents.

## Vision

A society where every child thrives through a meaningful and loving relationship with both parents and their wider families.

## Mission

Our mission is to overcome and dismantle the barriers that keep children from having meaningful and loving relationships with both parents after parental separation.
We do this by providing:
1. Advocacy and Awareness: We advocate for the rights of children to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents and wider families after parental separation, while raising awareness about the impact of parental conflict on their wellbeing.
2. Support Services: We provide families with resources, guidance and emotional support to navigate separation in a way that prioritises the needs of children and promotes their resilience and stability.
3. Education and Training: We equip parents, carers and professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to develop healthy co-parenting relationships and minimise the negative effects of parental separation on children.
4. Policy and Collaboration: We work with policymakers, legal systems and community organisations to promote fair practices and frameworks that protect children’s rights and support their holistic development in separated families.

## Statement

Since 1974, Both Parents Matter has been dedicated to ensuring that every child can maintain meaningful and loving relationships with both parents and their wider family after separation.
Our charity is built on the values of positive co-parenting; advocacy, compassion, and collaboration. Working with policymakers, legal systems, and community partners, we aim to change societal attitudes toward co-parenting and create lasting change in family law — we help build stronger families, healthier communities, and a more efficient support system for separated families.
At Both Parents Matter, we are committed to building a society where all children can thrive, regardless of family circumstances.

## History and Organisation

On October 12th, 2024, the members of Families Need Fathers ("FNF") voted 91% in favour of the Special Resolution to change the charity's name to "Both Parents Matter"
Families Need Fathers was founded in May 1974 by child psychiatrist Alick Elithorn and financial consultant Keith Parkin as an organisation to campaign for equal parenting time after divorce, and for increased contact between a child and its non-custodial parent. The organisation became a registered charity in 1979, and was able to hire staff in 1992. As the organisation grew in the 1990s, previous employees founded several new organisations with similar missions, such as Parents Forever Scotland, the Association of Shared Parenting, Dads After Divorce, and Fathers4Justice.
In 2008, FNF launched projects under the slogan "Both Parents Matter" and this strapline was added to the charity's logo in 2013. By 2010, the organisation had 51 branches across the United Kingdom and a network of 300 volunteers. It has since continued to advocate for shared parenting in the media, the House of Commons and the family justice establishment, while continuing its work as a social care organisation.
The Current CEO is Sam Morfey and the current chair is Paul O'Callaghan.
In 2009 guidance produced by Families Need Fathers came under criticism for giving the impression that they might have emanated from, or were approved by, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF ) or Cafcass.
* ↑ "Home". Both Parents Matter. Retrieved 2025-02-03.