Father’s Day served as a reminder of the role fathers play, the office said.
A report released several years ago by the office analyzed the taxpayer cost of fatherlessness in Mississippi, the report said. It found children born into fatherless homes are more likely to have health problems, drop out of high school and become incarcerated.
The report said 70% of high school dropouts are children from fatherless homes.
It said fatherlessness poses a threat to the economic and social well-being of Mississippi communities. The report added that data suggest even a small decrease in the number of fatherless homes could save taxpayers money while improving outcomes for children and families.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
