Involvement of African American Fathers in Kinship Foster Care Services

Although a growing literature identifies how they contribute to the well-being of their children, African American fathers have largely been ignored in child welfare intervention research. Using data from interviews with caseworkers in two agencies, this article describes the extent to which 74 African American fathers participated in services on behalf of children placed in kinship foster homes because of abuse, neglect, or dependency. The data revealed that few fathers were involved in case assessments, case planning, or receipt of services. Caseworkers usually did not pursue paternal involvement or identify lack of participation as a professional concern. The article explores possible explanations for the low participation and identifies practice and policy changes that would increase fathers' involvement. The article also argues for more research into this neglected topic.