1978: The Beginning -
Fathers' and Children's Equality is Founded
Fathers' and Children's Equality (FACE) traces its roots to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the original organization was founded in 1978. As one of the oldest fathers' and non-custodial parent support organizations in the country, FACE was created to provide guidance, education, and advocacy for parents facing the challenges of separation, divorce, and custody disputes.
As the organization grew throughout Pennsylvania, regional chapters were established to address the unique needs of local communities. This chapter-based model would eventually inspire the creation of FACE-NJ.
In the summer of 1991, twelve South Jersey parents who had been seeking support through FACE in Pennsylvania gathered to discuss creating a local organization. The result was the formation of the New Jersey chapter of FACE.
Operating semi-autonomously with its own officers and treasury, FACE-NJ was established to serve the needs of New Jersey families. Unlike Pennsylvania's county-based structure, New Jersey's smaller size and unified court system created an opportunity to build a statewide organization dedicated to supporting non-custodial parents and promoting meaningful parent-child relationships.
1991: FACE Comes to New JerseY
The New Jersey Chapter is Established
Raising Awareness
Bringing Family Issues Into Public View
From its earliest days, FACE maintained that children benefit most when both parents remain actively involved in their lives. The organization believed that family court decisions too often disrupted those relationships and sought to bring public attention to the challenges faced by non-custodial parents.
To raise awareness, FACE members organized demonstrations and public advocacy efforts throughout New Jersey, including events at county courthouses, the Hughes Justice Complex, and the State House in Trenton. These efforts helped introduce conversations about parental involvement, parenting rights, and the long-term impact of family court decisions on children and families.
Building a Statewide Community
Support, Education, and Peer Networking
While advocacy remained important, FACE also focused on helping parents navigate their personal situations through peer support and education. The organization established workgroup meetings throughout New Jersey where members could share experiences, exchange information, and learn from one another.
FACE encouraged members to attend court proceedings, both to better understand the legal system and to support fellow members during difficult cases. Through decades of meetings, networking, and community building, FACE expanded into a truly statewide organization with members and supporters in every New Jersey county.
Between 1993 and 1995, FACE actively participated in the New Jersey Governor's Commission to Study the Laws of Divorce. Organization representatives attended public hearings, monitored proceedings, and advocated for reforms designed to strengthen parental involvement and improve outcomes for children.
Although not all recommendations were adopted, FACE played a significant role in advancing discussions surrounding parenting rights, access to information, and family court reform. The organization's consistent presence ensured that the voices of non-custodial parents remained part of the public conversation.
1993-1995: Influencing Reform
Advocating for Legislative Change
1995: Legislative Victories
Advancing Parenting Rights
Among the most significant achievements associated with the Commission's work were reforms that strengthened the role of parents in their children's lives.
The term "visitation" was removed from New Jersey law and replaced with the more meaningful term "parenting time," recognizing that parents are active participants in their children's lives rather than visitors.
Additionally, New Jersey law was amended to ensure parents have access to important educational, medical, dental, insurance, and child care records, reinforcing the principle that both parents should remain informed and involved in their children's well-being.
1996: Becoming Independent
FACE-NJ Incorporates as a Nonprofit
On November 22, 1996, FACE-NJ took a major step forward by incorporating as Fathers' and Children's Equality, Inc., becoming a fully independent New Jersey organization.
Shortly thereafter, FACE received IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, allowing the organization to expand its educational and advocacy efforts.
During this period, FACE also published its own newsletter, AboutFACE-NJ, which reached policymakers, judges, legislators, and families throughout New Jersey and beyond.
TODAY
Serving Families Across New Jersey
Today, FACE continues to support parents and families throughout all 21 New Jersey counties. The organization provides education, advocacy, peer support, and resources for parents seeking to maintain meaningful relationships with their children.
Today, FACE continues to support parents and families throughout all 21 New Jersey counties. The organization provides education, advocacy, peer support, and resources for parents seeking to maintain meaningful relationships with their children.