The U.S. government has, in the recent past, made commitments to reconnect fathers with their children through funding for programs and federal initiatives. After seeing an increase in issues regarding child support enforcement, crime prevention, high adolescent drop-out rate and studies that show a direct link between nonproductive behaviors in youth to a missing father in the home -— the tipping point was reached.

The importance of fatherhood transcends beyond the responsibility of a male figurehead. All of America has either seen or felt the damaging effects of broken homes, both materially and emotionally. They have caused quantifiable damage to the American fabric. Fathers, whether emotionally or physically absent, leave children raised in fatherless homes who have to deal with the damaging affects for the rest of their lives.

Citizens of this nation are now reclaiming their obligation to have sustainable relationships with its youth through initiatives like reconstructive counseling and fatherhood programs. The only nations implementing fatherhood initiatives on a mass scale are the U.S. and the U.K., but it is a national effort that is becoming global.

Our shared histories as industrialized nations, where men were traditionally outside of the home, coupled with the subsequent change in the nature of today's workplace has caused unforeseen consequences. Men are not solely necessary for economic survival anymore and women have far more options. Work demands for women are increasing. These and a myriad of other factors have contributed to the shifting of a father's role in the home.

We should all be concerned because those of us who had a positive father in our lives know how important and beautiful it is — and those of us who haven't had that experience carry a profound feeling that cannot be named.

I liken the importance of having a positive relationship with one's father to the Buddhist's concept of "balance." Everything in life has its opposite, and the balance is necessary for our universe to function properly. Good male role models balance the equation by providing our communities, societies and world with well-rounded citizens.

Establishing fatherhood programs everywhere can help prevent the consequences of an absent father. Some programs aim at employability for the economic benefits of their families. Some address the legal needs of fathers. Others aim to reconnect fathers with their children. There is no cookie-cutter rubric, but the main investment is that fathers gain tools they didn't have prior.

These programs can be the solution to preventing psychological damages in children as they grow up. Instead of performing reactive counseling as children age, these programs are aggressive and proactive to initiate a decent relationship.

Fatherhood programs are an often overlooked initiative, but do not have to be that way forever. We should all be empathetic to the needs of children.

Look locally to participate in the lives of children who are not presented with every role model they deserve. Don't discount the possibility that your peers could have been afflicted by a fatherless home.

Those of you who are studying in the fields of education, psychology and sociology will have many clients who face these issues. Research the effects to become better practitioners. Lead the way for holistic approaches to assessments. Create new models of thinking that benefit every child. Change the world!

This column is currently featured in Ithaca College’s The Ithacan Solomon Fatherood Initiative - www.sfinitiative.us