Map and Track
State Initiatives to Encourage Responsible Fatherhood

Father involvement is important not only to children and their mothers, but to the men themselves. It helps to promote adult psychological development, contributes to self-esteem, and strengthens father-child relationships. Yet, in part, because of changing demographic and economic conditions, a growing number of fathers, particularly single-parent and nonresident fathers have difficulty carrying out the two most basic tasks of fatherhood: fostering economic security for their children and promoting close, nurturing relationships.

This report turns the spotlight on the states' role in promoting responsible fatherhood. It provides an overview of trends across the states, identifies and profiles specific state strategies to encourage fathers to be responsible, and summarizes state by state fatherhood-related data.