Are You the Parent of a Special Needs Child?

DadsMOVE serves all parents and the families of children with special needs - mental health, behavioral, or emotional concerns, across Washington State and soon, the nation. We are a family-focused, dads driven peer support model, providing education, support, and advocacy to the families of special needs children.

We are parents too, so we have traveled a road similar to yours. As we have worked towards recovery with our own kids, we have learned a lot about systems navigation, IEPs, parenting techniques, de-escalation, reward systems, sibling issues, etc. so don't be afraid to ask us a question.

Looking for Resources or Support?

Our Mission:

DadsMOVE is dedicated to engaging fathers and other male caregivers of children with mental, emotional, and behavioral health concerns in their families' recovery. Through support, education, and tools, freely given to every male caregiver, we believe that success is inevitable.

Our Vision:

The vision of DadsMOVE is to provide every male caregiver, in every community of the United States and its territories, the tools, support, and training needed to be fully engaged in the recovery of their children. No man in any part of this country, whether the largest metropolitan city or the most rural community should be excluded from the opportunity to help their children and family flourish.

What We Offer:

DadsMOVE is a statewide organization, expanding nationwide in 2012, with many opportunities for men to become involved in helping their children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues, and helping advocate for positive change in Washington, and beyond.

DadsMOVE is currently building a Statewide Dads Support Group System. As the locations, dates, and times are determined, the list will continue to grow. Each group is facilitated by a dad who has dealt with the frustration and stigma that you are probably experiencing right now.

Until we have a chapter in your area, feel free to send us an email, with any questions you might have, we answer every single email.

In addition, starting again in summer 2012, we will offer two Dads Training Weekends a year with presentations to help in the care and raising of our special needs children. These weekends are a great source of information, resources, and support. The weekend is structured around mini-workshops, meals, brainstorming and problem-solving around your specific questions or concerns, and some light recreational activities. The attendees report that they return home with their batteries charged, and a fresh perspective of how to be a more engaged dad for their child's recovery.

DadsMOVE is offering an extensive Training Institute, that provides workshops to agencies, providers, and family members, on a variety of topics, including: