Mission and Strategy

NFI's mission is to improve the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with an involved, responsible, and committed father.

To accomplish our mission, we use what we call our "3-E Strategy":

·         Educating and inspiring all Americans

·         Equipping organizations and fathers in six different sectors of society

·         Engaging all sectors of society around this issue

Facts on Father Absence
National Fatherhood Initiative conducts research on the causes and consequences of father absence and trends in family structure and marriage.

Quick Facts on Fatherhood
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.

Children who live absent their biological fathers are, on average, at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. For more detailed data on the consequences of father absence, click here.