Involvement by Young, Unmarried Fathers Before and After Their Baby's Birth

Little is known about the extent to which young fathers (age 22 and under) are involved with their children over time. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a national study on children born to unmarried parents, father's involvement with their child approximately one year after the birth is examined. This research examines three factors that are likely to affect father's involvement with their child: the father's personal characteristics, the child's personal characteristics, and social-contextual influences. Data is collected from both mother's and father's reports. The father's ability to fulfill the provider role and the quality of the parents' relationship were both important factors in father's involvement.