Children of Young Disadvantaged Women are Unlikely to Receive Consistent Support from Their Fathers

Abstract

This article summarizes findings of a study of income support provided by fathers to disadvantaged adolescent mothers in the US. Data were obtained from 3867 young mothers who lived in three inner city areas of Camden Newark and Chicago and received Aid to Families with Dependent Children during 1987-89. Findings indicate that fewer than 20% of children born to disadvantaged single teenagers received income support (IS) from their fathers. Fathers with a higher level of education and a job were more likely to provide IS. 30% of fathers had contact at least once a week and 20% had less frequent contact. 40% of fathers had contact with their childrens mothers during the preceding 3 months. 52% of fathers had ever supplied nonmonetary support. 31% had ever provided IS directly to mothers. 44% provided IS either to mothers or to a child support agency. Only 15% supplied nonmonetary support on a regular basis and only 11% supplied IS on a regular basis. IS in the prior month averaged $127. 37% had a court order for IS but only 27% of the total sample received payments from a child support agency. Fathers who spent time with their children were more likely to provide IS. Logit regression analysis revealed that noncustodial support declined as the child aged. Fathers likelihood of supporting their children was related to their relationship with the mothers. Fathers were less likely to give support to mothers who had children with different fathers. Socioeconomic status affected income and nonmonetary support but not the amount of time spent with children.