By Leslie Perry Duffy--Kentucky Paternity Acknowledgement Program
Research has shown that when both parents are actively and positively involved in their children’s lives, the children are more likely to lead healthy and productive lives. This Father’s Day we would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the complementary and supportive roles fathers and mothers play in the lives of their children. We know that families come in all shapes and sizes: intact families, mothers serving as primary caregivers, fathers serving as primary caregivers. Whatever the situation, parenting is a team effort; and whatever their contribution—teacher, role model, economic provider, caregiver, advocate, protector, or disciplinarian—the involvement of both parents has so many positive outcomes.
For unwed fathers, the first step in developing that parental bond is acknowledging paternity. Children with legal links to their fathers are more likely to know their full medical histories; have increased access to parental and financial resources; experience better outcomes; and, more importantly, form a bond with both parents. With this support, a child is more likely to develop a positive self-image that helps him or her become a productive, healthy adult. Further, children who have the involvement of both parents in their lives are less likely to use drugs, more likely to graduate from high school, and are less likely to become involved in criminal activities and end up incarcerated.
Establishing paternity is a simple process at the time of birth, but it can also be accomplished at a later time through a private means or through your local child support program. We encourage unwed fathers to fully understand their rights and responsibilities before acknowledging paternity, but it’s important to know that fathers who do not establish paternity have no legal rights to their child. We are confident that the fathers choosing to establish paternity will reap rewards beyond their greatest expectations as they develop loving relationships with their child.
At the Kentucky Paternity Acknowledgement Program, we are proud to help unmarried fathers across the State establish paternity. We inform parents, healthcare providers, staff in birthing facilities and local registrar offices, and the general public about the benefits of establishing paternity. If you have any questions about establishing paternity, please call 1-888-675-7425.
To all of the fathers who embrace and support their children, happy Father’s Day and thank you for being there for your children.
