Children in Father-absent home are 5 times more likely to live in poverty, 15 times more likely to have behavior disorders, 5 times more likely to commit suicide, 3 times more likely to have asthma, 7 times more likely to be teen mothers, 7 times more likely to drop out of school, 15 times more likely to end up in prison as a teenager. Today, 24 million children live in a home without a father present. These stats and much more can be found at http://www.fatherhood.org/ and http://lifecoachesla.org/.

Father absence affects our society. What can we do?

1. Invest in these kids. Get involved with a local church, ministry, or agency that works to mentor kids. Talk to local school officials, police departments, etc. about who in their sphere of influence are at risk. One ministry in our area partners community leaders with at risk kids. Check out Life Coaches for Kids and get involved.

2. Connect w/Fathers. Our church recently launched a ministry in our local jail called Malachi Dads. It equips inmate dads to connect and engage with their children while incarcerated and prepares them to be an engaged, Godly father when they get out. Let me know if you’d like to get involved with this ministry as a leader, encourager, or prayer partner.

3. If You’re a Dad, Get Engaged in the life of your kids. They need you. They have needs deep in their hearts and minds that only you can meet.

More later…