Prevention is all about family. At Children Trust Michigan, we know that each member of the family plays an indispensable role in ensuring a child’s well-being. That’s why we promote a multifaceted approach to prevention that aims to strengthen families in all areas.

The role of father engagement in prevention efforts has been a point of increased emphasis in recent years. Studies consistently show a father’s involvement is associated with better outcomes for nearly every measure of a child’s well-being.

Engaged fathers help prevent abuse and neglect in numerous ways, bolstering multiple protective factors.

Parental Resilience: Fathers Share Burdens

Parenting comes with stress. It’s unavoidable. This stress can seep into the family dynamic creating a charged environment that studies have linked to numerous developmental problems for children. Fathers who are emotionally present and active in their children's lives help mitigate this stress.

By sharing burdens, dads can help relieve stress on mothers or other primary caregivers. The additional support to share the child-rearing workload significantly reduces the likelihood that one or the other becomes overwhelmed.

Furthermore, fathers who develop and demonstrate positive stress management techniques — whether through exercise, mindfulness or seeking emotional support — provide their children with another ready example of how to safely navigate adversity. This, in turn, fosters resilience in children, helping them manage their own emotions and setbacks.

Social Connections: Fathers Expand Support Systems

Social connections are vital in safeguarding families from isolation — a significant risk factor for abuse and neglect. Fathers who actively engage with their communities, family networks and friends create a broader support system that families can draw upon in times of need.

When fathers take the initiative to build relationships, they offer their children access to caring adults outside the immediate household. It also reinforces the idea that seeking help and fostering relationships are signs of strength as opposed to weakness. Children learn that relying on a healthy community is key to navigating life’s challenges.

Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: Fathers Broaden Horizons

Understanding a child’s developmental needs equips parents with tools to create nurturing environments. At a baseline, involved fathers bring expanded knowledge capacity to the family.

Those who actively educate themselves about parenting strategies and child development gain even deeper insights. The learn how to meet their children’s needs through play, discipline, communication and emotional support.

Concrete Support in Times of Need: Fathers as Providers and Problem-Solvers

Access to essential resources — such as food, housing, medical care and mental health support — is a critical factor in preventing child abuse and neglect. Involved fathers play an active role in securing these supports.

A father’s presence in a child’s life generally translates to additional financial security. It can also mean increased advocacy. Fathers who communicate openly about challenges, seek assistance when needed, and provide reassurance during difficult times reinforce the message that families can work through problems together.

Social and Emotional Competence of Children: Fathers Form Bonds

Engaged fathers support the development of social and emotional competence in their children by forming early bonds that establish them as a safe, nurturing figure in their lives. Young children who know they can turn to multiple caregivers for emotional support end up surer of themselves later in life.

Engaged fathers can encourage emotional expression, help children name their feelings and validate their experiences. These interactions build emotional security, making children less vulnerable to harmful behaviors or relationships in the future.

Advocating for Father Involvement in Prevention Efforts

Supporting fathers in their parenting journey is a key strategy for preventing child abuse and neglect. CTM’s statewide network of Prevention Partners champions father engagement by:

• Offering parenting education and workshops tailored to fathers.
• Creating father-focused support networks and mentorship programs.
• Encouraging workplaces to implement family friendly policies that promote father involvement.
• Providing accessible mental health and parenting resources for fathers in need.

We will continue to support these initiatives that empower fathers in their parenting journey. Together, we can celebrate and encourage fathers as essential figures in creating safe, loving and resilient families.

June 2025