United Adolescent Fathers
Many unwed adolescent fathers remain involved with their partners and accept the responsibilities of parenthood. In a study of black male teenagers in a group of 67 who were followed for 18 months postpartum, only one father did not have contact with his child. In fact, federal statute, comparable state laws, and court interpretations have established that, when an unwed father takes an active interest in his children and his paternity is not in question, the state cannot actively discriminate against unwed fathers unless there has been parental unfitness. Paternity can be determined by the father's acknowledgment, the father or mother being married or living together within 300 days of the birth of the child, or through civil suit by supporting testimony or evidence.
