Redefining Fatherhood: Ending Stigma, Empowering Families
In child welfare, the impact of fathers and father figures is often overlooked. Yet whether they are biological dads, foster fathers, kinship caregivers, or community mentors, father figures play a vital role in helping children feel safe, guided, and supported.
When father figures are engaged, children benefit. They gain stability during difficult times and build stronger foundations for the future.
Members of the Family Voices United Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) share their perspectives on what safety looks like in schools and why it matters.
Ways Fathers Show Up in Foster Care
Foster fathers are just as important as foster mothers. Yet stigma sometimes paints fathers as unreliable or absent. In reality, many fathers and father figures show up in powerful ways, offering care and consistency.
Foster fathers and father figures can support young people by:
- Setting clear rules while explaining the “why”
- Listening without judgment
- Teaching practical skills like cooking, budgeting, or fixing things around the house
- Encouraging healthy outlets such as sports, art, or journaling
LEAB Member: Jarrod Hummer, (he/him) Parent, Indiana
Jarrod Hummer, a foster parent from Indiana, explains:
“Keeping children close to family, especially fathers, benefits the child’s well-being.”
Jarrod’s insight reminds us that consistent, caring father figures strengthen children’s growth and stability.
Expanding the Definition of Fatherhood
Fatherhood is about showing up. Coaches, mentors, uncles, neighbors, and friends can all take on father-like roles, and make a lasting difference through small, consistent actions:
- Attending games or performances
- Offering guidance during tough times
- Teaching skills like cooking, household tasks, or money management
- Celebrating milestones, from birthdays to graduations
Molly Clore (she/her), Resource/Adoptive Parent, Florida
Molly Clore, a resource parent from Florida, shares from personal experience:
“Experiencing having my dad around, even as he was going through his own health needs, opened my eyes and inspired me to advocate for fatherhood engagement initiatives.”
Molly’s experience shows how children can thrive by father figures who are present in their own ways. Their presence can show young people that they believe in their children and are showing that they want to be involved in their lives.
Breaking the Stigma
Despite their value, father figures in child welfare often face stigma. They may be excluded from case planning, judged for past mistakes, or overlooked as potential caregivers. Going back to Jarrod, a father, who points out: “We’re absolutely capable of being available for children if the opportunity is there. But most people just assume it can only be a mother or grandmother who’s going to raise a child.”
LEAB Member: Beth Patton, Kinship Caregiver, Kansas
Beth Patton, a kinship caregiver from Kansas, adds:
“It’s important to find ways to engage fathers, even after years of absence or challenges like mental health issues or other barriers.”
By challenging stereotypes and creating safe, healthy ways for fathers and father figures to re-engage, communities open doors for healing and connection.
How to Help Break the Stigma Around Fathers
Communities can support fatherhood by creating opportunities for men to be seen as capable, caring, and essential. Here’s how:
- Recognize Fathers as Caregivers: Celebrate the role of biological, adoptive, or kinship fathers publicly.
- Include Fathers in Decisions: Ensure dads are informed and involved in case planning, school updates, and activities.
- Offer Encouragement, Not Judgment: Ask fathers what support they need and acknowledge their efforts.
- Show Positive Male Role Models: Volunteer as a mentor, coach, or leader to demonstrate men’s ability to provide care and guidance.
- Support Father Engagement: Provide practical help like transportation, tutoring, or community invitations that makes father participation possible.
The Power of Presence
Research shows that even one reliable, supportive adult can buffer children from the effects of trauma. (Source) For many, that person is a father or father figure. When male figures show up through parenting, mentoring, or simply listening, they help children feel valued, safe, and hopeful.
Fathers and father figures matter. By breaking stigma and expanding the definition of fatherhood, communities ensure that every child grows up with love, guidance, and the security of knowing someone truly cares.
About Family Voices United
Family Voices United is a collaboration between FosterClub, Generations United, the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance, and Casey Family Programs. The project works to improve the child welfare system by listening to, and amplifying, the voices of people who have lived through it. When their experiences shape policy, we all move closer to a system that truly supports children and families.
Take action. Learn more. Share your story at familyvoicesunited.org
