Kids Need Both, Inc. | Strategic Plan
Executive Summary
At Kids Need Both, Inc., we believe children thrive when they have meaningful relationships with both of their parents. As a nonprofit organization, we empower families navigating high-conflict separations by offering court-approved education, mediation, and support services. Our programs—including parenting skills classes, anger management, domestic violence education, and custody coordination—are delivered through flexible online courses and live Zoom sessions, meeting court requirements while promoting healthier families and brighter futures for children.
Mission Statement
To empower families in high-conflict situations with court-approved programs and resources that foster healthy co-parenting, conflict resolution, and lasting family stability—for the well-being of children.
Vision Statement
We envision a world where every child has the right to a stable, loving relationship with both parents—regardless of their parents’ relationship status. At Kids Need Both, Inc., we champion the belief that shared parenting and healthy co-parenting dynamics are essential to a child’s emotional, academic, and social well-being. Through education, support, and community collaboration, we aim to foster a culture where families can heal, grow, and thrive—no matter the circumstances.
Core Values
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Child-Centered Focus: Every decision prioritizes the welfare and best possible outcomes for children.
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Empathy: We meet families where they are, with compassion and understanding.
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Collaboration: We believe in the power of community—parents, professionals, and partners working together.
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Respect: We honor the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of every family we serve.
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Accountability: We hold ourselves to the highest standards in service, support, and stewardship.
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Excellence: We continually pursue excellence in program delivery, education, and community engagement.
The Challenge We Address
Family separation is one of the most emotionally charged experiences a child can endure. Without proper support, conflict between parents can escalate, disrupting children’s emotional well-being, academic achievement, and social development. In the most extreme cases, children are pressured to reject a loving parent—a dynamic that can cause lifelong emotional harm if left unaddressed.
Key facts:
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Children with access to both parents after separation show better emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes.
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Shared parenting significantly reduces conflict and improves co-parenting relationships.
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Single-parent households, while often doing their best, statistically correlate with higher rates of poverty, academic challenges, and behavioral issues (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Journal of Family Psychology).
Our programs are designed to interrupt these cycles of conflict—restoring hope, stability, and lasting relationships.
Our Programs and Services
1. Education
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Parenting Skills Classes: Teaching communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution.
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Court-Ordered Programs: Including anger management, domestic violence education, and co-parenting certification.
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Educational Resources: Books, articles, webinars, and videos available online.
2. Support
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Mentorship and Coaching: Personalized support tailored to each family’s journey.
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Peer Support Groups: Safe spaces for parents navigating separation and high-conflict custody cases.
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Pro-Se Litigant Support: Resources for individuals representing themselves in court.
3. Mediation and Custody Coordination
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Professional mediation services to help parents create custody agreements that serve the best interests of their children.
4. Advocacy
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Promoting legislative and societal change that recognizes and supports the critical role of both parents in a child’s life.
5. Strategic Partnerships
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Building formal alliances with local, national, and international organizations to expand our collective impact on family healing and stability.
Organizational History
Founded in 2004 by Danica Joan Dockery, M.Ed., Kids Need Both, Inc. was born from lived experience—realizing firsthand the devastating toll high-conflict custody battles take on children. Danica’s journey from personal hardship to professional advocacy shaped our organization’s unwavering mission: ensuring children can maintain meaningful, loving relationships with both parents.
Through resilience, education, and community collaboration, Kids Need Both, Inc. has grown into a trusted resource, now reaching families worldwide through its programs, partnerships, and the Hope4Families.net platform.
Strategic Goals 2025–2028
Goal 1: Expand National Reach
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Build partnerships with courts, schools, and family service organizations across the U.S.
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Leverage online platforms to deliver services remotely and accessibly.
Goal 2: Strengthen Financial Stability
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Increase grant funding, donor engagement, and sponsorships.
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Develop signature fundraising events and campaigns.
Goal 3: Foster Diversity and Inclusion
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Expand our leadership, volunteers, and partners to reflect the rich cultural diversity of the families we serve.
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Provide ongoing cultural competency training for staff and volunteers.
Goal 4: Ensure Sustainable Growth
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Develop a volunteer management system to ensure consistent service quality.
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Build staffing capacity to support program expansion and succession planning.
Goal 5: Amplify Advocacy and Awareness
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Launch public awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of shared parenting.
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Strengthen policy advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Through regular program reviews, strategic planning, and community feedback, Kids Need Both, Inc. remains committed to:
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Delivering measurable results
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Building transparent and accountable partnerships
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Innovating to meet the evolving needs of families
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Championing the voice and best interests of children in every decision we make