Drug and alcohol abuse, poverty and homelessness have one common denominator, says an author that researched the topic. Drawing from census data and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that common thread is not having an involved father.

What You Need To Know

  • There are approximately 18.3 million children across America who live without a father in the home, comprising about 1 in 4 children, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2022

  • 90% of the homeless are from fatherless homes, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

  • 71% of people without an involved father struggle with substance abuse

The new book shares the research and possible solutions. The book released this week, by Jamie Truman, is called “Vanishing Fathers – the Ripple Effect on Tomorrow’s Generation.” All the proceeds from the book go to charities providing opportunities for at-risk youth.

Those statistics show 71 percent of kids struggle with substance abuse don’t have involved dads. And that 90 percent of those suffering homelessness do not have a father.

“Children are much more likely to be in poverty if they do not have a father involved in their home, and it’s very difficult for children to be able to think and process if they’re hungry and if they have an unstable environment," Truman said.

The book and research isn’t just on the problems of children without involved dads, but solutions to beat the odds despite that. Truman interviewed people affected by the issue, who worked to overcome not having their dads around.