Fatherlessness In Alabama

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Fatherhood is foundational to strong families, and strong families are essential to a strong Nation. An absent father affects all aspects of a child’s life, including socio-cognitive development, socio-emotional development, academic performance, and criminality. Unfortunately, the effects of fatherlessness are far too visible throughout America, including in Alabama.

THE PREVALENCE OF FATHERLESSNESS IN THE U.S. AND ALABAMA

• According to 2023 census data, approximately 18 million children in the U.S. live without a biological father, stepfather, or adoptive father present in the home. 
  • Nearly 1 in 3 children in the United States is raised by a single parent, which is the highest rate of single-parent homes in the world.
  • Nationally, more than 80% of children in single-parent homes live with their mothers.
• Fatherlessness is all too common in Alabama, too. 
  • 31% of children in Alabama are living in single-parent homes.
  • 5,341 children reside in foster care in Alabama – living with neither parent.

FATHERLESSNESS AND EDUCATION

• Research shows that a father’s involvement in their child’s schooling results in higher grades and a lower likelihood of students repeating a grade. 
• When children have an actively involved father, they are 33% less likely to drop out of school and 43% more likely to get A’s.

FATHERLESSNESS, POVERTY, AND GOVERNMENT DEPENDENCE

• Children without fathers at home are 4x more likely to live in poverty. 
  • Approximately 240,000 children live in poverty—22% of all children in the state.
  • 329,000 children are in families receiving public assistance in Alabama.