By Walter Johnson
For many years we have asked the question in child welfare: does fatherhood engagement matter? What efforts should we be making as professionals to involve fathers into the lives of the children and youth we’re working with? In hindsight, it sounds like a question with an obvious answer. The answer should be: as much as possible.
According to the Fatherhood Project, fatherhood engagement fosters greater academic success, more positive social behavior, fewer conduct problems, better self-esteem, lower levels of depression, and reduced contact with juvenile justice system. With overwhelming evidence that not only suggests, but proves fatherhood engagement matters, we now must ask “why are fathers disengaged?” What are the barriers to fatherhood engagement and how do we engage them more?
According to the United States Census Bureau in 2020, an estimated 1 out of 5 children live without their fathers. Additionally, children living in fatherless homes has more than doubled since 1968. Divorce, separation, death, incarceration, and abandonment are a few reasons for this epidemic. After over twenty years of professional experience working with fathers, foster families, and human service agencies I personally seen many of these myself. As we consider all of these factors, I would like to ask you to spend a moment thinking about these three considerations:
- There are biases and stereotypes around a father’s ability to parent on the same level as a mother. Women have historically been preferred over men as the primary caregiver. They are often solely expected to rear and nurture children. While on the other hand, men have been historically expected to “discipline,” protect, and provide financial stability. In reality, we know these roles can be shared interchangeably by two parents, however that does not mitigate the impact bias and stereotypes have had on decisions governing bodies have made around policies, procedures, and practice. As these biases and stereotypes are identified and challenged, we open the door for parental reform that can further foster a strength-based approach to fatherhood engagement.
- There is a lack of parent education and support which may prevent fathers from believing they can be effective primary caregivers. With confidence, acceptance, and support, fathers are more likely to engage in the parental caregiver role and in turn have less anxiety around communicating and advocating for themselves. Education and support also help individuals, communities, and governing bodies to see the value of dual or “village” parenting. This gives the village more reason to consider fathers, value their contributions, and give them a voice. It can also aid in better communication between agencies within the child welfare system which areh often lead and primarily run by women. Child welfare agencies hiring more men would also foster a more father friendly environment and could create an overall enhanced synergy within the child welfare community.
- Finally, consider what resources are available. I acknowledge that resources in general can be hard to come by and availability is often limited, but consider what is available for fathers. Are there specialized programs, support groups, or resources specifically for fathers? Either formal or informal resources? Even if there are not resources specifically for fathers, what can be done to make them feel included in spaces which are often filled with mothers?
There is simply not enough room in a one-page article, or even a ten page article, to fully discuss the barriers and importance of engaging fathers without even mentioning other obstacles like affordable housing. Hopefully though, you have seen the benefits and challenges that are often present when engaging fathers. It may feel like there is a great deal to do, but it often just begins with addressing biases and inviting fathers to the table. The majority of fathers want to be involved. They may just not know to get there.
