Connecticut’s ‘Dads Matter Too’ celebrates fathers’ contributions today

WATERBURY >> It’s not Father’s Day, but events are planned across Connecticut to celebrate the role men play in the lives of their children.

The Dads Matter Too campaign was started by a social worker at the state Department of Children and Families four years ago in Waterbury to promote healthy relationships between fathers and children and reduce the number of homes with absentee fathers.

Events on Saturday include road races, games, rallies and educational programming.

DCF will be using the Waterbury event to launch a public awareness campaign about shaken baby syndrome. The campaign is targeted toward fathers and other male caregivers who are more likely than women to injure a child.

Dads Matter Too gatherings also are planned for Hartford, Bridgeport, New Britain, Middletown, New Haven and Danielson.