Fathers of Children Receiving Welfare: Can They Provide More Child Support?

Although a number of current policy initiatives presume that nonresident fathers could provide substantially more income for their (welfare‐attached) children, several factors lead to skepticism. This article uses administrative and survey data to describe the characteristics of fathers of welfare recipients. The results suggest that most of these fathers have limited economic resources and, like the mothers of their children, often face substantial barriers to providing for themselves and their families. Balancing the needs and obligations of low‐income mothers and fathers is difficult.