Understanding Young Fatherhood Within Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems

Overview

This summary describes research about the multiple factors that shape young men’s introduction to and experiences of fatherhood, particularly among those fathers who have also experienced the child welfare and/or justice systems. Societal, systemic, interpersonal, and individual factors all influence young fathers’ experiences. This resource summarizes research that describes the following:

• How societal views of young parenthood and masculinity frame the role
  of fathers during pregnancy and childrearing
• The ways in which young men’s involvement in systems restricts their
  engagement with their children and influences coparenting dynamics
• How past experiences, family dynamics, and personal desires influence
  fatherhood

The research summary first provides background information about young fatherhood. Then, it turns to a discussion of research about the multiple factors that shape and influence young fathers involved in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems.

Suggested citation: Offiong, A., Naylon, K., Huang, L. A., Beckwith, S., & Scott, M. E. (2025). Understanding
young fatherhood within child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Child Trends.