Understanding Key Barriers to Fathers’ Involvement in Their Children's Lives

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Fathers who are uninvolved or play minimal roles in their children's lives may unwittingly have adverse effects on their psychosocial development. In 2003, only 54% of nearly a half million children in foster care in the United States had contact with their fathers, compared to 72% of children from the general population. There are multiple, complex personal, familial, societal, and agency barriers that limit fathers’ involvement with their children. We provide recommendations for child welfare agencies to modify their policies to be equitable and financially helpful to fathers, and engage fathers in case planning about their children's safety, well-being and permanency.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Coakley, TM; Shears, JK; Randolph, SD

Published Date

  • December 2, 2014

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 35 / 4

Start / End Page

  • 343 - 364

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1545-2298

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0145-935X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1080/0145935X.2014.972550

Citation Source

  • Scopus