EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Kids Need Both, Inc.is a non-profit organization that supports children and families affected by divorce or separation. Our mission is to promote the importance of maintaining healthy relationships between both parents and children during and after a separation. We believe that children deserve to have access to both parents, and that parents have the right to be actively involved in their children’s lives. Our services include education, support, and resources for families to help them navigate through the challenges of separation and co-parenting. Our organization is dedicated to creating a world where all children have the opportunity to thrive in a loving, stable, and supportive family environment.

 

MISSION STATEMENT: 

The mission of Kids Need Both, Inc. is to provide education and support to families facing child custody conflict.

 

VISION STATEMENT:

At Kids Need Both, Inc, our vision is to create a world where every child has access to a stable and loving home environment, regardless of their parents’ relationship status. We believe that children thrive when they have meaningful relationships with both parents, and that a healthy co-parenting dynamic is critical to their well-being. Our goal is to provide resources, education, and support to families navigating the complexities of child custody conflict, to help them achieve the best possible outcomes for their children. By fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and respect, we aim to promote the importance of shared parenting and provide a platform for families to connect and share their experiences. Our vision is a world where children can grow and thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment, no matter the circumstances of their parents’ relationship.

 

CORE VALUES:

Kids Need Both, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families navigate the challenges of co-parenting after separation or divorce. I believe that we could emphatically assert here that the welfare and best possible outcome for the children is the only objective for Kids Need Both, Inc. The organization’s core values are as follows:

• Empathy: Kids Need Both, Inc. values empathy and seeks to understand and support the unique needs and challenges of each family.
• Collaboration: The organization believes in the power of collaboration and strives to bring together parents, professionals, and community resources to support families in need.
• Respect: Kids Need Both, Inc. respects the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of all families and individuals they serve.
• Accountability: The organization is committed to being accountable to the families they serve and to the community as a whole.
• Excellence: Kids Need Both, Inc. strives for excellence in all aspects of their work, including service delivery, research, and community engagement.

These core values guide the organization’s strategic plan and inform their approach to providing education, resources, and support to families navigating co-parenting after separation or divorce.

 

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

Child custody conflict is a complex and emotionally charged issue that affects families across the world. When parents separate or divorce, they may struggle to agree on the best way to share custody of their children, which can lead to conflicts, stress, and negative outcomes for the child. Issues such as lack of communication, disagreements over parenting styles, relocation, visitation schedules, child support, and legal issues can create significant barriers to achieving a fair and effective custody arrangement. Children’s emotional well-being, academic performance, and social relationships are negatively impacted. Parents need a constructive and collaborative manner to ensure that children can maintain a stable and supportive environment during this challenging time. In the most extreme cases, children are influenced by one parent to reject and devalue the importance of a strong relationship with the other parent. This can lead to long term emotional harm to the child if this situation is not effectively addressed.

The following are statistics related to the importance of children having positive relationships with both of their parents:

1. Children who have regular contact with both parents after a separation or divorce have better outcomes in terms of their emotional, behavioral, and academic well-being. (Source: Journal of Family Psychology, https://psycnet.apa.org/PsycARTICLES/journal/fam/37/2)
2. In cases where the father is the non-custodial parent, he is more likely to maintain a close relationship with his children when he has more time with them. (Source: Journal of Marriage and Family)
3. Shared parenting has been found to be beneficial for both mothers and fathers, as it reduces conflict and improves co-parenting relationships. (Source: Journal of Divorce and Remarriage)
4. Additionally, research has also shown that children who have positive relationships with both parents, even if they are divorced or separated, are more likely to thrive. Children who have access to both parents are more likely to have better relationships with their parents, have better mental health outcomes, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
5. About 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 live in a household with only one parent. While many of these families function well, research shows that children from single-parent households are more likely to experience poverty and a range of negative outcomes, including lower academic achievement, increased risk of drug and alcohol use, and higher rates of incarceration and have higher rates of behavioral and emotional problems. Over 80% of children in the United States who are raised by a single parent are living with their mother. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, National Fatherhood Initiative)
6. Children with involved fathers are more likely to do well in school, have higher self-esteem, and have better social skills. (Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
7. Similarly, a study by the National Center for Fathering found that children who have a positive relationship with their father are more likely to succeed academically, have better mental health, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

These statistics support the idea that children need positive relationships with both parents in order to thrive, and shared parenting is a way to improve outcomes for children and families after a separation or divorce.

 

PROGRAM/SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Kids Need Both, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for families going through the difficult process of separation and divorce. Our mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to maintain healthy relationships with both parents, even when they live in separate households.

Our program offers a variety of services designed to help families navigate the challenges of co-parenting and to promote positive communication and cooperation between parents. These categories include:

Education

• Classes for Parents: We offer classes that teach parents effective communication strategies, conflict resolution skills, and other tools to help them navigate the challenges of co-parenting.
• Educational resources: We provide educational resources such as books, videos, and articles, on a variety of topics related to divorce and co-parenting.

Support 

• Mentorship and coaching: We have a coaching body whose fundamental purpose is to provide for the education and support of the clients we coach. We offer our expertise to provide guidance and support to help achieve best possible outcomes for the whole family with the children being the principal focus.
• Support groups: We offer support groups for parents, providing a safe space for them to connect with others going through similar experiences and to receive emotional support and guidance.
• Pro-se litigant programs: We assist individuals who are representing themselves in court without the aid of an attorney to help them understand what they need to know.
• Mediation services: Our trained mediators help parents work through disagreements and develop solutions that are in the best interests of their children.

Advocacy

• Advocacy: We advocate for policies and laws that promote shared parenting and that protect the rights of children to have access to both parents.

Strategic Partnership

• Strategic Alliance of Partners: We have created formal relationships between organizations; locally, nationally and internationally, that agree to work together to achieve mutual goals of bringing healing to hurting families caught in child custody conflict.

At Kids Need Both, Inc., we are committed to promoting healthy, positive outcomes for children of divorce and separation. Our services are designed to help parents and children build strong, positive relationships with one another, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

 

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Partnership development is a critical aspect of supporting Kids Need Both, Inc. and its mission, which is to provide children with the opportunity to have positive relationships with both parents following a divorce or separation. Through strategic partnerships, Kids Need Both, Inc can expand its reach, increase its impact, and provide more resources and support to families in need.

One way that partnership development can support Kids Need Both, Inc. is by collaborating with organizations that share similar values and missions. For example, partnering with local family law firms or mediation services can ensure parents are aware of their legal rights and have access to resources to navigate the divorce process in a way that is in the best interest of their children.

Another way that partnership development can support Kids Need Both, Inc is by working with community organizations that serve families and children. These organizations may include schools, after-school programs, youth organizations, and community centers. By partnering with these organizations, Kids Need Both, Inc can provide educational resources, counseling services, and other forms of support to families in need.

Partnerships with businesses can also support Kids Need Both, Inc and its mission. For example, partnering with companies that specialize in family-oriented products or services can help raise awareness about Kids Need Both, Inc and its mission. Additionally, businesses may be able to provide financial support or donate resources that can be used to fund programs and services that benefit families.

 

IN SUMMARY 

Partnership development is an essential aspect of supporting Kids Need Both, Inc and its mission. By collaborating with organizations that share similar values, working with community organizations that serve families and children, and partnering with businesses, Kids Need Both, Inc can expand its reach, increase its impact, and provide more resources and support to families in need.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY/BACKGROUND

Our founder, Danica Joan Dockery was inspired by her real-world experience in an isolating and controlling marriage. She left that marriage in hopes of establishing stability for her children and sought a peaceful co-parenting relationship with her husband, but that did not happen. Deep in the trenches of a relentless custody battle lasting over five years, Danica endured arrest, relentless child abuse allegations, rejection from her children and being ostracized by her community. However, Danica never lost sight of what was at stake, which was the hope of a restored relationship with her children.

During the darkest times, she juggled multiple jobs, while attending college to become an educator. All while fending off court hearings, managing her alienated children and defending a barrage of abuse investigations. She noticed that children were often caught in the middle of these difficult situations and decided to take action. So she founded the non-profit organization, Kids Need Both, Inc in 2004 with a mission of providing education and support to families impacted by child custody conflict.

Over the years, Kids Need Both, Inc. has grown and expanded its reach. They have formed partnerships with other organizations and have collaborated with schools and community centers to provide their services to families in need. They also offer training and workshops for professionals who work with these families.

In the midst of the 2020 global pandemic, Danica worked with a technical team to co-create Hope4Families.net, an authoritative online community platform consisting of solution-based experts providing education and support to families experiencing child custody conflict.

Since its founding, Kids Need Both, Inc has helped thousands of families navigate the challenges of divorce and co-parenting. They have been featured in local and national media, and their work has been recognized internationally. The organization’s commitment to creating a brighter future for these children is unwavering, and they continue to make a positive difference in the lives of families every day.

 

DANICA JOAN DOCKERY, M.Ed -Biography

Danica Joan Dockery was inspired by her real-world experience in an isolating and controlling marriage. She left that marriage in hopes of establishing stability for her children and sought a peaceful co-parenting relationship with her husband, but that did not happen. Deep in the trenches of a relentless custody battle lasting over five years, Danica endured arrest, relentless child abuse allegations, rejection from her children and being ostracized by her community. However, Danica never lost sight of what was at stake, which was the hope of a restored relationship with her children.

During the darkest times, she juggled multiple jobs, while attending college to become an educator. All while fending off court hearings, managing her alienated children and defending a barrage of abuse investigations. She noticed that children were often caught in the middle of these difficult situations and decided to take action. So she founded the non-profit organization, Kids Need Both, Inc in 2004 with a mission of providing education and support to families impacted by child custody conflict.

Today, Danica holds a Master’s degree in Education, is a certified family mediator, anger management/domestic violence specialist and co-parenting expert who has extensive experience helping countless families find ways to co-parent effectively and minimize the impact of divorce on their children.

Danica is also the author of “A Happy Child Co-Parenting Course” a court ordered family stabilization course for parents who are navigating the challenges of co-parenting after a breakup. Her book is widely acclaimed for its practical advice and compassionate approach to helping families navigate this difficult time.

She is also the co-creator of the Hope4Families.net platform, a collaborative community that provides education, support and resources to families through partnership with like minded organizations. In all of her work, Danica is committed to helping families find hope, healing, and the best possible outcomes for their children. Her dedication to this mission has made her a trusted resource and advocate for families across the country.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL EVALUATION SURVEY

Mission Statement: (Please check all that apply.)

Mission statement is unclear or is a limited expression of the organization’s purpose.

Mission is held by only a few, or lacks broad support, or is rarely referred to.

✔️   Mission statement clearly reflects purpose and reason for organization’s existence.

✔️   Mission statement is known by most within the organization, and often referred to.

Mission statement is well known and used to guide all programs.

Vision: (Please check the one statement that best applies.)

There is little shared understanding of what an organization aspires to become.

A vision statement was created but does not guide all organizational improvements.

Vision statement inspires most organizational improvements beyond current levels.

✔️  Vision statement is broadly held within the organization and frequently used to inspire growth related programs and development. 

Strategy: (Please check all that apply.)

We have not had a new strategic planning process during the past three years

New programs and improvements are largely unrelated or scattered initiatives.

✔️  Strategic plan is not frequently used to plan new programs or improvements.

✔️  Strategic plan is linked to mission and vision, but not fully put into action.

✔️  Strategy is mostly known, and day-to-day activities are partly driven by it.

Organization has clear medium- and long-term strategy that directs day-to-day activities.

Program Review and Growth: (Please check the one statement that best applies.)

There has been no review on how to grow programs, or how to improve them.

There has been some review of programs, and some effort to improve programs.

Occasional action is taken to scale-up programs or replicate them.

✔️  There are frequent reviews of programs with appropriate action steps to improve them, with possibility of scaling-up programs.

New Program Development: (Please check the one statement that best applies.)

No new programs have been developed over the past year.

New programs are largely unrelated to mission or to one another.

✔️  New programs fit together as part of a clear strategy and are related to mission & vision.

All old and new programs are well designed to fit together with mission and vision and are clearly linked with overall strategy.

Measurable Results: (Please check the one statement that best applies.)

✔️  Programs do not have specific goals, or goals do not have specific measurable results.

Goals are too easy to achieve, for example, “To increase enrollment/attendance.”

There are aggressive targets in most areas, linked to overall strategy.

There are demanding goals for all programs that are focused on outcomes/outputs.

Fundraising Skills: (Please check all that apply.)

There is a clear donor marketing message, i.e., reasons why donors should give.

We have a donor base of more than 500 donors.

Fundraising events raise more than $10,000 in net revenue.

Fundraising events raise more than $30,000 in net revenue.

Most fundraising activities are performed by paid staff members.

✔️  Volunteers perform most fundraising activities with support of staff and external fundraising expertise.

Fundraising activities include events, grants, direct mail appeals, and online marketing.

Sponsor levels are well defined, and we have several sponsors that support us annually.

Partnership Development: (Please check the one statement that best applies.)

We do not have any programs that are currently in partnership with other agencies.

We are in the early stages of partnership development with other agencies and/or the private sector.

Partnerships play a role in some of our programs but are not always mutually beneficial.

✔️  We work in mutually beneficial relationship with several partners.

Public Marketing/Publicity: (Please check the one statement that best applies.)

We do not publicize our programs or events, aside from flyers and brochures.

✔️  Organization makes limited use of marketing and publicity.

Organization has staff or volunteers with skills in publicity, and takes advantage of opportunities as they arise, and has limited use of direct mail.

Organization has staff/volunteers that fully take advantage of all publicity opportunities and understands the importance of marketing and use of direct mail.

Board Responsibilities: (Please check all that apply.)

Board functions according to bylaws to review and approve budgets and direct organization.

Board regularly reviews CEO/ED performance.

Board reviews IRS 990 filings and financial audits.

✔️  Board is actively involved with setting vision statement, strategy, and organizational direction.

✔️  Board is actively involved with program development, program review and growth.

Board is actively involved with all fundraising activities with support of staff.

Use of Technology: (Please check all that apply.)

✔️  Basic website contains general information.

✔️  Website is used to recruit new members and/or donors.

Site includes video, testimonials, candid photos, and ways of collecting info from visitors.

✔️  Website is kept up-to-date on a regular basis with latest events and programs.

✔️  Email marketing is used to drive traffic to the website and to collect visitor information.

✔️  Email is used to keep in touch with organization’s target audience/members.

Members are given training opportunities for use of computers, tablets, and smart phones.

Donor information is kept in a donor relationship management (DRM) software database.

 

SWOT ANALYSIS

SWOT analysis for Kids Need Both, Inc:

 

Strengths:

1. Strong mission based on fighting for family wholeness!
2. Strong organizational leadership!
3. Well-established nonprofit organization with a strong online presence through websites such as kidsneedboth.org and hope4families.net.
4. Established Reputation: Kids Need Both, Inc. is an established non-profit organization with extensive experience and expertise in providing support to children and families going through the divorce process.
5. Dedicated team of volunteers and staff who are passionate about advocating for the rights of children to maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents after a divorce or separation.
6. Extensive experience in providing support and resources to families going through divorce or separation, including legal assistance, counseling services, and educational programs.
7. Strategic partnerships with other organizations in the family law and mental health sectors, which helps to expand the reach of the organization’s services.
8. Diverse range of programs: Kids Need Both, Inc. offers a diverse range of programs and services, including counseling, education, and support groups, which cater to the different needs of children and families.

 

Weaknesses:

1. Limited funding: As a non-profit organization, Kids Need Both, Inc. relies on limited donations and grants to fund its programs and services, which can be a challenge.
2. Dependence on Volunteers: Kids Need Both, Inc relies exclusively on volunteers, which can be challenging to manage and may lead to inconsistent services.
3. Limited geographical reach, which could restrict the organization’s ability to provide assistance to families outside of its local area.
4. Lack of diversity among the organization’s staff and volunteers, which could hinder its ability to connect with and help families from different cultural backgrounds.
5. Dependence on a few key volunteers and staff members, which could leave the organization vulnerable if they were to leave.
6. Limited resources: The organization may have limited resources to expand its programs and services to meet the growing demand for its services.
7. Limited reach: While the organization has a strong reputation within the community, it may not be well-known or accessible to families outside of its immediate area.

 

Opportunities:

1. Potential for partnerships with other organizations in related fields, such as child welfare or education, which could help to expand the organization’s reach.
2. Technology: The organization can leverage technology to expand its reach and provide services remotely, such as through online counseling or mentoring programs.
3. Increased Funding: There may be opportunities to secure additional funding through grants, fundraising events, or corporate sponsorships.
4. Growing demand for family law and mental health services in the United States, which could increase the need for the organization’s services.
5. Increasing awareness of the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with both parents after a divorce or separation, which could lead to more support for the organization’s mission and activities.
6. Advocacy and awareness: Kids Need Both, Inc. could advocate for policy changes or raise awareness about the importance of supporting children and families during the divorce process.

 

Threats:

1. Competition: Kids Need Both, Inc may face competition from other organizations that provide similar programs or services in the same geographical area.
2. Economic Conditions: Changes in the economy, such as recessions or budget cuts, may impact the organization’s funding and ability to provide services.
3. Social stigma: There may be a social stigma surrounding divorce or seeking support during the divorce process, which could discourage families from seeking out Kids Need Both, Inc.’s programs and services.

 

GOALS, OBJECTIVES and STRATEGIES

Based on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats outlined, here are some potential strategic planning goals and objectives for Kids Need Both, Inc:

Goal 1: Expand the organization’s reach to serve more families outside of its immediate area.

Objective 1.1: Develop partnerships with other organizations in related fields to increase awareness and referrals to Kids Need Both, Inc.

Strategy 1.1.1: Create a volunteer partnership committee

Strategy 1.1.2: Identify potential partners.

Strategy 1.1.3: Divide list of potential partners among partnership committee members.

Strategy 1.1.4: Create a script for calling community partners.

Strategy 1.1.5: Create a cover letter for community partners.

Strategy 1.1.6: Contact and email/mail letters to each potential partner.

Strategy 1.1.7: Follow-up.

Objective 1.2: Use technology to provide remote counseling and mentoring services to families in other geographic locations using our shared online platform.

Strategy 1.2.1: Develop partnerships with professionals who can use our technology platform.

Strategy 1.2.2: Identify potential partners.

Strategy 1.2.3: Divide list of potential partners among partnership committee members.

Strategy 1.2.4: Create a script for calling community partners.

Strategy 1.2.5: Create a cover letter for community partners.

Strategy 1.2.6: Contact and email/mail letters to each potential partner.

Strategy 1.2.7: Follow-up.

Objective 1.3: Increase marketing to reach a larger audience.

Strategy 1.3.1: Speak to current court liaisons about how to share your information with other circuit courts.

Action 1.3.1.1: Ask if there is a directory of court officials.

Action 1.3.1.2: Ask if there are conferences or newsletters that go out to all court officials.

Action 1.3.1.3: Ask to be part of conferences or newsletters to share information with court officers.

Strategy 1.3.2: Develop relationships with multiple circuit courts (dependency courts and criminal courts) to be listed on their divorce packet resources.

Strategy 1.3.3: Develop marketing materials for sending to courts in other court districts in 42 states.

Strategy 1.3.4: Update listing on 211 community directory.

Strategy 1.3.5: Develop an audience for remote services.

Strategy 1.3.6: Become a resource for school districts for client referrals.

Action 1.3.6.1 Develop a resource that can be shared with private schools (create a packet, form letter, or shared website).

Action 1.3.6.2: Develop a resource with public schools that address the social strain of separation and divorce.

Strategy 1.3.7: Develop marketing to church communities to support court-ordered parenting classes and conflict resolution training. (Facebook).

Strategy 1.3.8: Create awareness by utilizing Community Proclamations and by destigmatizing separation and divorce. (i.e., Kids Need Both doesn’t promote divorce, but where divorce is inevitable or already decided, we promote co-parenting for the benefit of children affected by separation and divorce.)

Strategy 1.3.9: Research what makes us different from other “competition,” and highlight those differences in our marketing messaging.

Goal 2: Increase funding to support and increase the organization’s programs and services.

Objective 2.1: Increase marketing to enlarge our donor base.

Strategy 2.1.1 Prepare marketing copy for KNB as a whole organization

Strategy 2.1.2 Prepare marketing copy for each program

Strategy 2.1.3 Prepare multiple success stories, volunteer stories, and hardship stories for use in social media marketing, e-newsletter/email marketing, donor appeal letters, and website.

Strategy 2.1.4 Create a template for e-newsletter / email marketing.

Strategy 2.1.5 Identify online and print media outlets and create connections with them

Strategy 2.1.6 Identify responsible party for maintaining updates to social media/Facebook

Objective 2.2: Increase grant applications and secure additional funding from corporate sponsorships.

Strategy 2.2.1: Follow training to complete grant research.

Strategy 2.2.2: Develop grants’ calendar for completion of grants.

Strategy 2.2.3: Utilize a grant writer to complete grants on a timely basis.

Objective 2.3: Develop and execute successful fundraising events to increase donations from individuals and organizations.

Objective 2.4: Develop programs to refer clients to mental health support groups and counseling services..

Strategy 2.4.1: Create a partnership with a mental health support providers (i.e., NAMI, or a local mental health center).

Strategy 2.4.2: Develop a referral process that protects clients’ privacy and that does not identify KNB as a mental health provider.

Objective 2.5: Create program to increase awareness of the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with both parents after a divorce or separation.

Strategy 2.5.1: Research what is needed to provide such awareness.

Strategy 2.5.2: Research what other communities or other organizations are doing to increase awareness.

Strategy 2.5.3: Implement best practices in research to develop a program OR a referral program for increasing awareness for maintaining strong relationships between both parents after a separation or divorce.

Goal 3: Increase diversity among the organization’s staff and volunteers.

Objective 3.1: Develop a diversity and inclusion plan to recruit and retain volunteers and staff members from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Strategy 3.1.2: Research what other organizations are doing to increase diversity.

Strategy 3.1.3: Develop a best practices plan that incorporates evidence-based research on increasing diversity.

Objective 3.2: Provide training and education to staff and volunteers to increase cultural competency and understanding of diverse family dynamics.

Objective 3.3: Utilize plan to increase diversity among board, volunteers, and leadership positions.

Goal 4: Address the challenge of dependence on volunteers and inconsistent services.

Objective 4.1: Develop a volunteer management plan to streamline processes and ensure consistent service delivery.

Objective 4.2: Develop a plan to hire paid staff members to supplement and support volunteers.

Objective 4.3: Develop succession plan for sustainable leadership.

Goal 5: Increase advocacy and awareness efforts to promote the organization’s mission and activities.

Objective 5.1: Develop a public relations plan to increase media coverage and social media engagement, or hire a consultant who can utilize the following:

Strategy 5.1.1: Press releases.

Strategy 5.1.2: Social Media marketing

Strategy 5.1.3: Email marketing

Strategy 5.1.4: Update website and utilize Google Ads grant

Strategy 5.1.5: Print marketing

Objective 5.2: Advocate for policy changes that support the organization’s mission and activities.

Strategy 5.2.1: Collect success stories and heart-breaking stories of families affected by high custody conflict (the Problem Statement).

Strategy 5.2.2: Prepare press releases on a regular basis that discuss the Problem Statement

Strategy 5.2.3: Prepare press releases and stories in advance that can be shared on social media, in press releases, in e-newsletters, etc.

Strategy 5.2.4: Send letters and stories to legislators.