Abstract
The purpose of this mixed design research project is to gather pertinent information on the barriers and challenges that contribute to the lack of involvement of teen Latino fathers in the upbringing of their children. The researcher interviewed five key informants who work closely with teen Latino fathers and distributed 25 survey questionnaires to Latino men who were once teenage fathers in Stockton, California. The results of the research project showed that financial instability, lack of education and availability of resources are major challenges that influenced teen Latino fathers’ involvement with their children. Significant findings to this research project include: Teen Latino fathers continue to remain involved with their children (80%), strong support obtained from family members (76%), maintenance of healthy relationships and equal share of custody with the mother of their children. A noteworthy finding to this research project is that respondents (100%) in the survey did not voluntarily avail of any of the local resources and services within the community. Key informants in the research project advocate for more Hispanic male mentors (role models) in the delivery of services to the target population. Social workers can better advocate by educating and bringing to light the unique strengths and resiliencies that teen Latino fathers possess and dispel some of the negative stereotypes associated with this group. The findings from this research project challenge social workers to find ways to improve on the service delivery of existing programs, and advocate for policy and system changes to include services that are culturally and socially relevant to the target population.