Dialogue

Client:

Institute for Mental Health Initiatives

Audience:

Television and film writers, producers, and directors

Goal:

Make the latest research in the behavioral sciences accessible to creative professionals

Role:

Writing

National Asociation of Mental Health Information Officers, 1996 first and third places, newsletters; 1994 first, second, and third places, newsletters. American Medical Writers Associatiation, Will Solimene Award of Excellence

The stereotype of young, unwed fathers as irresponsible and cavalier, long on braggadocio and short on commitment, casts a deep shadow over young men who would be involved dads. It shapes expectations - among the new fathers' partners and families, the community resources that serve them, and the young men themselves. These expectations too often inhibit rather than foster a young man's relationship with his child, robbing both of the benefits of fatherhood.

Although some partners of teenage mothers undoubtably fit the hit-and-run stereotype, others do not. Whether they are in their early twenties, as most are, or teens themselves, a large number of these young men want some involvement with their children. Research, clinical, and community experience paint a portrait of these would-be-involved dads as young men who feel responsible but clueless. Their girlfriends' pregnancies are most often unplanned, catching them off guard. Sometimes angry at the news of their impending parenthood, somethimes apparently unmoved, and sometimes elated, they are almost always frightened and confused. They may want to provide and care for their children, but they don't know how.