THE ISSUE: Father’s Day

OUR OPINION: Legal fatherhood important for dad’s role with children

Fatherhood is about more than playing the male role in conception. It’s about more than being a visitor in a child’s life.

Here’s a fact for fathers on this Father’s Day: In South Carolina, 49 percent of children are born to unmarried parents. With mother often being left as a single parent, too many children lack the influence of a father.

Studies show that children who do not have a father in their lives have an exceedingly higher likelihood of participating in high-risk behavior.

Conversely, research shows that when both parents are actively and positively involved in their children’s lives, they are more likely to lead healthy and productive lives. Families come in all shapes and sizes: Whatever the situation, parenting is a team effort and whatever their contribution, the involvement of both parents has so many positive outcomes.

The best statistical indicator that an unmarried father will be involved in his child’s life is if he establishes paternity (legal fatherhood). And if he establishes paternity in the hospital, he is twice as likely to be involved in his child’s life than if he establishes paternity later on, according to Tom Dalik of the Department of Social Services’ S.C. Parenting Opportunity Program.

SCPOP provides education and resources to unmarried parents about the benefits of establishing paternity.

In addition, SCPOP provides training and resources to every hospital in South Carolina with a birthing facility to help them comply with federal and state laws the require them to give parents an opportunity to voluntarily establish paternity in the hospital when their child is born (using a paternity acknowledgment affidavit — it is not a DNA test). It is a simple process while at the hospital. Later, legal fatherhood can be established through Vital Records or through Child Support Enforcement.

The SCPOP program offers low-cost DNA testing for those who are not sure.

Accepting legal responsibility for a child is not only something a father should do for his children, it is the right thing to do. And something a father should want to do.

To all fathers – married or unmarried – who embrace and support their children, happy Father’s Day and thank you for being there for your children.

For information about establishing paternity or a low-cost DNA test, call 866-914-8786 toll-free.

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