FatheringConferenceNov. 1, 2016 -- The 3rd Annual New York Fathering Conference is now accepting workshop proposals for its summit at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on April 4, 2017, County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced today. The theme of this year’s event is “Ready to Work: Navigating Home, Job and Community.”

“As the father of three young children, I know the most important job I have every day is being a dad,” Astorino said. “The New York Fathering Conference is focused improving outcomes for the full spectrum of dads, and I look forward to presenting another year of inspiring workshops and thought-provoking speakers.”

To submit a workshop proposal, please visit www.westchestergov.com/dadbethere  and email the completed form to by Monday, Nov. 21.

The Program Committee for the New York Fathering Conference will select professionals who work directly with fathers, who write about fathers, or who influence policies. Workshops should speak to a broad spectrum of fathers, and as such, proposals may focus on any of the following:

  • Navigating government systems, such as social services, child support, family court, etc.
  • Employment issues, such as hiring trends, career building resources, re-entry programs, etc.
  • Physical and mental health
  • Engaging fathers in families, schools and programs
  • Conflict resolution
  • Domestic violence

Each workshop will be approximately 90 minutes and should give service providers and/or dads information, interaction and tools that they can bring back their practices and communities.

For more information, contact Joseph D. Kenner, Deputy Commissioner of Social Services,by e-mail at .

The New York Fathering Conference is part of Astorino’s ongoing #DadBeThere fatherhood initiative, which targets the full spectrum of fathers, from those who are present in the home to those who are not. Programs range from career counseling and job placement assistance to simply creating more opportunities for dads and families to spend time together. Learn more at www.westchestergov.com/dadbethere.