Child support and African American teen fathers

Our nation has turned its focus to personal responsibility and has subsequently formulated polices that have reformed welfare and strengthened child support enforcement. Teen fathers continue to present dilemmas for policy makers because of their status as minors, their lack of understanding of the policy implications for parenthood, their lack of skills, and their high unemployment status. African American teen fathers shoulder a larger burden in respect to the high unemployment rates and high drop out rates for African American males. Policies and programs must be developed that not only involve teen fathers with their children, but also provide them with the skills necessary to financially support themselves and their children.