Restoring Fathers to Families and Communities

Single Parent Impact

Children in single-parent families are more likely to grow up poor, fall behind in school, experience emotional problems and end up in trouble with the law relative to children with two parents.

The Difference a Dad Makes

Children with actively involved fathers perform better in school, are less prone to depression and more likely to become good parents relative to their absent-father counterparts.

Expert Advice

One way officials can help teach men to become good parents is to require teens to study child development and child health in school, say experts.

Job Support

States can help low-income men find steady, well-paid work by linking parenting programs for fathers to programs that focus on employment and training.

A Broken System

In 1996, only 30% of low-income children who lived apart from their fathers received child support.

Correcting the Record

The prevailing deadbeat dad stereotype is wrong, according to an emerging body of research. Joblessness — not a lack of commitment — is a key reason men fail to pay child support.