The Cost of Father Absence in America

#Do You Know the Hidden Expense of Fatherless Families?
Fatherlessness in the United States is a major issue that has far-reaching consequences. According to a study by National Fatherhood Initiative, father absence in our nation costs over $100 billion annually in federal spending alone. But the cost of the father's absence goes beyond just financial expenses.

Children from fatherless homes are twice as likely to drop out of school before graduating, and 24.7 million children in the United States live in a home where their biological father is not present. This can lead to higher rates of poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, crime, behavioral problems and mental health issues for these children.

But there is hope. A three-step approach can be taken to mitigate the effects of fatherlessness. The first step is to engage fathers and keep them present and engaged with their children and strengthen that engagement. Engaged fathers who reside with their biological children have the best opportunity to role model appropriate male behavior. It's important to raise awareness about the cost of fatherlessness and the impact it has on our society. By taking steps to engage fathers and keep them present in their children's lives, we can begin to mitigate the effects and build stronger families.