“There are hundreds if not thousands of cases like mine here in Washington that have deprived children of loving, protective fathers without due process in family courts.”
— a Washington dad who hasn’t seen or spoken to his son in over nine years
If fathers in Washington participated more in policymaking when it comes to matters of children and families, there might be fewer men who believe their gender has been a factor in unfair treatment they’ve received.
As it stands, the perspectives and priorities of fathers arguably do not receive equitable weight in governmental systems dealing with children and families. This assertion is consistent with the excerpt shown below taken from the executive summary of the 2024 State of Fatherhood in Washington Study. This study was carried out by the Washington Fatherhood Council, a project of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Among their findings regarding family court, parentage, custody, and monetary child support, they state: “Agencies and partners are aware of the societal and systemic biases against fathers.”
Excerpts from materials published June 2024 by the Washington Fatherhood Council, which is coordinated by staff in the Department of Social and Health Services
Judicial advisory commissions and committees
The Washington State Supreme Court and the Washington State Superior Court Judges’ Association have advisory commissions and committees. The commissions and committees that deal with matters pertaining to families, children, or gender bias have significantly lower than 50% male participation. For example:
- The Superior Court Judges’ Association’s Family and Juvenile Law Committee is composed of 38 members, 7 of whom are men.
- The Supreme Court’s Gender and Justice Commission is composed of 21 members, 3 of whom are men.
Listed in the table below are commissions and committees advising Washington’s judges on families, youth, or gender bias and the percentage of the members who are men. (“SC” indicates the advisory group is associated with the Supreme Court, and “SCJA” indicates the group is associated with the Superior Court Judges’ Association.)
| Commission / Committee | % of members who are male |
| Gender and Justice Commission (SC) | 14% of 21 members |
| Family and Juvenile Law Committee (SCJA) | 18% of 36 members |
| Commission on Children in Foster Care (SC) | 20% of 25 members |
| Guardianship and Probate Committee (SCJA) | 30% of 10 members |
| Equality and Fairness Committee (SCJA) | 36% of 14 members |
These advisory bodies recommend changes to laws, codes, and administrative rules. We believe they would benefit from more participation by dads.
“Many men feel the family court system discriminates against them in terms of child custody, alimony and child support payments, as well as being able to spend time with their children.”
— Mark Sutton in his book ‘How Democrats Can Win Back Men: Why Understanding Male Voters and Their Issues is Vital for Democratic Victory’