‘Kids Do Better When They Have A Father In The Home’: DeSantis Stresses Need For Male Role Models

 

Ron DeSantis

Orlando, FL – During an event earlier this week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the importance of fatherhood and male role models, underscoring Florida’s legislative initiatives to support fathers and promote responsible parenting.

Governor DeSantis signed the groundbreaking Responsible Fatherhood Initiative two years ago, which provides evidence-based programs to help fathers connect more meaningfully with their children. Speaking about the importance of the initiative, DeSantis said, “It's just a very obvious thing that our kids do better when they have a father in the home. Every single piece of empirical data, social science, everything has shown that they do better.”

He explained that Florida's success in managing its state finances has allowed for funding in meaningful programs, such as this initiative. “We’re cutting taxes, running a massive surplus, and of course, we are able to do things that will make a difference in people’s lives,” DeSantis said. He also pointed out that Florida has the lowest per capita state debt in the country, and the state’s economy has grown twice as much as the national average under his leadership.

The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative encourages father involvement by collaborating with 30 community groups throughout the state. DeSantis emphasized the importance of male role models, particularly for boys and young men, stating that mentorship and guidance from male figures can significantly shape a child's future. He shared a conversation with former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who observed that many prisoners he ministered to lacked a father in the home.

“If they had a father in their life, many of them wouldn’t have ended up in prison,” DeSantis said, reinforcing the belief that a strong male presence can drastically change a child’s path in life.

The initiative has started to show positive outcomes, with many fathers becoming more engaged and serious about their responsibilities. DeSantis stressed the importance of expanding these efforts, noting that improving fatherhood engagement would benefit not just individual families but the entire state of Florida.

First Lady Casey DeSantis, who was also present, added her perspective, sharing her experiences with the Youth Ambassadors program through Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice. This program brings in young people who have overcome adversity, and many of them cite the impact of having a mentor figure in their lives. “Every single one of them says it was someone who took an interest in their life that made the difference,” she said, underscoring the power of mentorship and its alignment with the goals of the fatherhood initiative.

With this initiative, Florida is striving to strengthen families, empower fathers, and create a generation of children who benefit from having responsible and engaged male figures in their lives. Governor DeSantis expressed optimism about the future and the positive impact this initiative could have across the state.

As Florida continues to invest in programs that support fathers and promote male role models, the state is setting an example of how government policy can influence family dynamics and societal outcomes.

Key Points of DeSantis’ Speech:

• The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative was signed into law two years ago.
• DeSantis emphasized the critical role fathers play in children’s development, backed by social science data.
• Florida’s strong economic performance has allowed for investments in programs like the fatherhood initiative.
• Mentorship and community involvement are integral to the initiative’s success.
• First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted the positive impact of mentorship on young people overcoming adversity.

With the initiative continuing to gain momentum, Governor DeSantis remains committed to fostering environments where children have the benefit of strong male role models, either through direct fatherhood or community mentorship.

Top 5 FAQs on DeSantis' Fatherhood Initiative

1. What is the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative?

   • The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative is a program introduced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to provide resources and evidence-based programs that help fathers connect more meaningfully with their children. It supports fathers through mentorship, community involvement, and parenting resources.

2. Why is the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative important?

   • The initiative is important because studies show that children do better when they have a father or male role model in their lives. This program aims to encourage fatherly involvement, particularly for boys and young men, by providing resources to help fathers fulfill their parental roles effectively.

3. How has Florida funded the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative?

   • Florida’s strong economy and budget surplus have enabled the state to invest in programs like the fatherhood initiative. Governor DeSantis mentioned that Florida has the lowest per capita state debt in the country, which allows the state to fund meaningful initiatives like this one.

4. What impact has the initiative had so far?

   • The initiative has shown promising results, with increased engagement from fathers in the state. More fathers are taking responsibility for their children’s well-being, which is expected to positively influence both families and the broader community in the long term.

5. How do mentorship and male role models factor into the initiative?

   • Beyond just fatherhood, the initiative highlights the importance of mentorship. DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis both stressed that having a male role model—whether it’s a father, mentor, or community leader—can make a significant difference in a child’s life, especially for those who lack a father figure at home.