The mission of Arkansas Better Dads is to help men around the state be better dads. There are thousands of dads who want to be better — and would be better dads if they had better access to resources and materials to help them. While we cannot ignore the problem of absentee fathers, the solution is not in men being guilted into changing the way they parent their children. Shame is rarely a positive motivator for change. Instead, men need to be inspired and challenged to become better dads. They need to be able to quickly and easily access information about fatherhood. They need to believe they are capable of being a positive influence in their children’s lives. They need access to flexible and affordable family activities. They need to believe they can be better dads.
No one expects dads in Arkansas to be perfect. No one expects dads in Arkansas to never make mistakes. We can expect, and help, men, young and old, to become better dads.
Our Initiatives
Inspiration – Become an even better dad
Arkansas Better Dads aims to motivate fathers to play a bigger role in their kids’ lives. The goal? Make active fatherhood a standard in Arkansas. With the help of known leaders and advocates, we’ll promote the importance of dads being there for their kids, reaching both traditional and non-custodial fathers. We believe all dads can step up their game – good dads can evolve into great ones. A key part of our initiative is setting up mentorships for kids without fathers, connecting them with supportive male figures.
Instruction – Skills and Knowledge
Arkansas Better Dads focuses on equipping fathers with knowledge and skills. Especially for dads facing financial challenges or unique parenting situations, there’s a need for effective and accessible fatherhood education. To meet this, we offer small group sessions on fatherhood, and online resources via our “Dad Talks” section.
Interaction – Connecting with Kids
Research shows dads bonding through activities with their kids have healthier, happier relationships. However, for many low-income families, finding affordable fun can be tough. That’s where Arkansas Better Dads steps in. Partnering with other organizations, we’re launching affordable events and activities to help these families bond – be it through joint community service or family fun days.
A Stark Reality
- 27.3% increase in families being led by single fathers in the last decade. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
- 43% of U.S. children live without their fathers. (Source: U.S. Department of Census)
- 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (Source: U.S. D. H.H. S., Bureau of the Census)
- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes. (Source: U.S. D. H.H. S., Bureau of the Census)
- 85% of children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes. (Source: Center for Disease Control)
- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes. (Source: National Principal’s Association Report on the State of High Schools)
- 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes. (Source: Center for Children’s Justice)
- 85% of all youth sitting in prison grew up in fatherless homes. (Source: Center for Children’s Justice)
- 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes. (Source: National Institute of Justice)
Generations suffer the economic and emotional ramifications of absent fathers. This issue is too vast for any single entity to tackle alone. That’s where Arkansas Better Dads steps in.
As a central force in the community, Arkansas Better Dads aims to be the heart of collaborative efforts across Arkansas. We plan to utilize and expand our network, all in the service of one goal: empowering men to be the best fathers they can be, fulfilling the needs of their children and communities.
