Listening to Fathers: Insights from Rural Pennsylvania

Autumn Monaghan
Sep 5, 2024
1 min read

Updated: Jul 28

Allegheny Family Network is proud to have participated in the Rural Fathers Listening Session, a vital conversation focused on understanding the unique experiences, assets, and challenges of families living in rural Pennsylvania and surrounding communities. The sessions were designed to identify ways to increase father involvement and strengthen supports for parents in these areas.

Facilitated discussions centered on four key questions:

How does rural living impact fathers’ experiences with human services?
How does it affect parenting as a whole?
How does it shape the work of providers serving fathers and families?
What are the best ways to communicate with and involve rural fathers?

During these sessions, fathers, mothers, and service providers shared candid perspectives. Fathers spoke about the challenges of accessing parenting and community resources, co-parenting, obtaining equal custody, and navigating the legal system. Mothers highlighted the stigma and lack of resources for parents in rural areas, while providers addressed the barriers they face in supporting families effectively.

The Office of the Administration for Children & Families, Office of Regional Operations, Region 3 will compile these findings into a qualitative summary to be published in fall 2024.

These insights will help shape better policies, services, and outreach strategies—ensuring that fathers and families in rural communities have the support they need to thrive.