The Power of Involved Dads: Two Free Infographics to Download and Share

When you talk about fathers in your organization, what leads the conversation: the challenges families face, or the strengths fathers bring?

I propose that we start by leading with strengths.

Positive father involvement is associated with benefits for children’s development, relationships, and well-being. And helping fathers build on those strengths deserves a place in our work with families.

National Fatherhood Initiative® offers two free infographics to help you share these messages: The Strengths of Father Presence and The Father Absence Crisis in America. Together, they highlight the value of involved fathers and the importance of helping more children experience that involvement.

Show What’s Possible When Fathers Are Involved

What do we want for every child? Opportunities to learn, supportive relationships, and a strong foundation for the future.

The Strengths of Father Presence connects father involvement to that vision. Drawing on research compiled in Father Facts™: Ninth Edition, the infographic highlights how children with involved fathers are at lower risk for challenges including emotional and behavioral problems, poor school performance, and alcohol and substance abuse.

Let these findings open a hopeful conversation. Ask your team: How can we help more fathers build the relationships they want to have with their children?

Start by recognizing their efforts. Invite their ideas. Look for opportunities to grow their confidence and build on their strengths.

Download The Strengths of Father Presence infographic.

Bring Purpose to the Work Ahead

Alongside that positive vision, The Father Absence Crisis in America highlights the need for action. Citing 2025 U.S. Census Bureau data, it reports that 18.2 million children, approximately 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father at home. It also outlines risks associated with growing up in a father-absent home.

That statistic describes living arrangements. Fathers who live apart from their children can still make valuable contributions through time together, caregiving, and financial and in-kind support.

As you share this infographic, keep the focus on opportunities to support families. Approach the findings as an invitation to ask: Where can we make fathers feel more welcome? What barriers can we help address? How can we create more opportunities for meaningful father-child connection?

Download The Father Absence Crisis in America infographic.

Turn Inspiration into Your Next Steps

You don’t have to answer every question today. Start with one conversation and one action your team can take.

• Inspire your staff. Share both infographics at your next meeting. Begin with the strengths of father presence, then choose one way to make your services more welcoming to dads.
• Invite partners to join you. Send the infographics to another organization and ask, “What could we do together to better support fathers and their children?”
• Spread the message. Feature both resources in your newsletter. Make copies and hand them out at community events. Share them on social media. Lead with what children can gain from positive father involvement and encourage others to share.
• Listen to fathers. Use the resources to start a conversation with dads about the relationships they want with their children and the support that would help them get there.