Father’s Day highlights cost of fatherlessness in Mississippi

A Facebook post marking Father’s Day reminded Mississippians of the role fathers play and referenced a report released a few years ago that analyzed the taxpayer cost of fatherlessness in the state.

The post said the report found children born in fatherless homes are more likely to have health problems, drop out of high school and become incarcerated. It said 70 percent of high school dropouts are children from fatherless homes, according to the analysis.

The post said the report concludes fatherlessness poses a threat to both the economic and social well-being of Mississippi communities and that even a small reduction in fatherless homes could save taxpayers money while improving outcomes for children and families.

Researchers and policymakers frequently cite parental absence when discussing educational attainment, public health and criminal justice outcomes. Advocates say addressing family stability and supporting access to services can be part of broader efforts to improve child and community outcomes.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.