Figuring It Out: Serving Young Fathers in Responsible Fatherhood Programs

Responsible Fatherhood (RF) programs, which focus on parenting, healthy relationships, and economic stability, might be relevant to many fathers, but relatively few young fathers participate in the programs. Young fathers (those younger than 30) might be more likely than older fathers to be in regular contact with their children and in a relationship with the children’s mother, and could strengthen their parenting and co-parenting skills by participating in RF programs. Young fathers who are just entering the work force could also benefit from knowledge and support provided through RF programs’ employment services. However, programs often face challenges in recruiting young fathers and keeping them engaged in services.

This brief summarizes common challenges RF programs face in recruiting and engaging young fathers in their services. It also highlights potential strategies programs can use to overcome these challenges. The literature and data collection that identified these challenges and strategies is described in more detail in a white paper about serving young fathers in RF programs (Hennigar et al. 2023).