Last week we received the follwing joint media release for Father's Day by the Advertising Council and US government departments.

NEW YORK, June 13, 2008 — The Advertising Council, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families Office of Family Assistance and the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse joined today to announce the launch of new public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to show dads the critical role they play in their children’s lives to coincide with Father's Day.

According to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), an estimated 24 million children live without their biological fathers and are on average at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health and emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior and avoid high-risk behaviors. ... read more >>