The Louisiana Legislature has established the Task Force on Fatherhood Engagement to address the low levels of father involvement in the state, which ranks poorly in various metrics related to fatherhood and family structure. The task force aims to study and recommend best practices for increasing father engagement in the lives of their children, recognizing the significant benefits that such involvement can have on children's development and family dynamics. The task force will consist of representatives from various state agencies and fatherhood-focused organizations, and it is tasked with developing actionable recommendations for state agencies to promote father inclusion.
The task force is required to submit a comprehensive report with its findings and recommendations by February 28, 2026. Its duties include researching effective practices, proposing changes to existing policies that hinder father involvement, and identifying funding sources to support fatherhood programs. The task force will convene its first meeting by August 31, 2025, and will operate with the goal of enhancing the role of fathers across multiple sectors, including health, education, and child welfare, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for children and families in Louisiana.