Fathers with serious mental illnesses: a neglected group

In recent years, policy makers, researchers, and practitioners alike have come to recognize how the traditional emphasis on mothers has overshadowed the equally critical contribution of fathers to child development and family life. In spite of this growing recognition of the importance of fathers, the need to better understand and support fathers with serious mental illnesses (SMI) has received little attention within mental health, public welfare, child protection, or criminal justice systems. In an effort to counter the continuing neglect of fathers with SMI, this paper provides an overview of the scant existing research focusing on fathers with SMI and sets forth a series of recommendations highlighting the need for greater inclusion of fathers in future research and ways to support men with SMI in their role as parents.