Where to Find the Latest Research on Dads

Unless you're reading this blog for the first time, you undoubtedly know National Fatherhood Initiative® provides research and statistics on father absence and involvement. Look no further than Father Facts, our signature research publication. Now in its seventh edition, Father Facts is the most comprehensive source of dad-related research and statistics you'll find anywhere.

You might wonder, however, which sources NFI staff relies on to learn about the latest research and statistics on dads? Can I also get access to those sources?

You bet! Here are two of my favorites.

• The National Center for Marriage and Family Research (NCFMR) at Bowling Green State University. NCFMR researchers conduct their own research on dads and families and analyze other sources of research and statistics. When they see a trend or change in data about dads, they publish briefs. They house these briefs--called Family Profiles--on their website. You can find their archives here and search for those related to dads. But the best, fastest way to stay abreast of what they find is to subscribe as I do to their electronic mailing list. Click here to do so. 
• Child Trends. If you've read this blog for a while, you know I'm a big fan of Child Trends. And for good reason. They're awesome! That's because like NCFMR they conduct their own dad-related research and analyze other sources as well. They're also committed to helping organizations make the most use of their work to build the knowledge base around the absence and presence of dads in the lives of children. You can search for their publications on dads here. Simply enter "fatherhood" into the search field. But, as with NCFMR, the best, fastest way to stay updated on what they find is to subscribe as I do to their blog. Click here to do so. Scroll down to the bottom of their home page to sign up.

One of the primary benefits of relying on both sources is there is rarely overlap in what they produce related to dads. You'll get a lot of fresh and different insight!

How do you stay abreast of the latest research and statistics on the absence and presence of dads in the lives of children?

Have you acquired the seventh edition of Father Facts? 

Are you a dad looking for help? Please visit our Fatherhood Program Locator™ and enter your city and state on the map to find programs and resources in your community.