Overview
NFI was founded in 1994 to confront the most consequential social problem of our time: widespread father absence in the lives of our nation's children. Fathers play a unique and irreplaceable role in their children's lives, and part of NFI's mission is to communicate this message to the public.
To learn more about NFI's work or to talk to us about your dad-focused TV, radio, newspaper, or magazine story, or a book, movie, or other media project,
contact us.
The Issue of Father Absence
Why is NFI's work so important? The issue of father absence is a serious one. Here's a quick overview of the state of fatherhood:
The Numbers
According to 2009 U.S. Census Bureau data, over 24 million children live apart from their biological fathers. That is 1 out of every 3 (33%) children in America. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) African American children live in father-absent homes. One in three (34%) Hispanic children, and 1 in 4 (25%) white children live in father-absent homes.
In 1960, only 11% of children lived in father-absent homes.
The Consequences
Children who live absent their biological fathers are, on average, at least two to three times more than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents to:
- Be poor
- Use drugs
- Experience educational problems
- Experience health problems
- Experience emotional problems
- Experience behavioral problems
- Be victims of child abuse
- Engage in criminal behavior
Click here for detailed information on the consequences of father absence for children.
The Hope
Despite all of the bad news, there are some encouraging signs. From 2004 to 2009, the number of children living with their biological fathers increased by 2 million - a 4 percent decrease in father absence.