The mission of the Center on Fathers, Families, and Public Policy (CFFPP) is to help create a society in which low-income parents - mothers as well as fathers - are in a position to support their children emotionally, financially, and physically. CFFPP seeks to address the unique barriers affecting low-income fathers, including negative public perceptions. Through the provision of technical assistance, policy research, and public education, CFFPP will work to support low-income fathers and their families and develop public awareness of their needs.

Fundamental to this mission are the following principles:

• In order to preserve the well being of children, public policy must preserve the well being of children's parents and caretakers. However, when the needs of a child and the needs of parents conflict, those of the child must prevail.
• Public policy must actively and effectively promote the economic viability of families.
• Public policy must support individuals' efforts to create families of their own choosing.
• Low-income parents need accurate and comprehensive legal information and support to successfully negotiate the social service system.
• Public policy must be created and executed in a manner that ensures that individual family members feel secure and are safe from physical harm.

In summary, CFFPP seeks to foster public policies at every level that promote and contribute to the well being of children, parents, and families.