Posted on March 2, 2026
Despite decades of research confirming that father involvement significantly improves children's social, emotional, academic, and health outcomes, New Jersey fathers — particularly those in under-resourced communities — continue to face a system that was not built with them in mind. This report draws on community conversations with 64 fathers across the state to document the barriers, bias, and invisibility they encounter when trying to play an active role in their children's lives. Dive in to learn what fathers had to say about the barriers they face and how they can be better supported in their role as a Dad.
The report calls on policymakers, funders, and service providers to recognize fathers as equal partners in parenting their children and to invest in the programs, policies, and cultural shifts needed to make that vision a reality.
Visit our Family Resources and Supports for a list of organizations that provide support services to Dads.
