Frontline Season 13 Episode 16 The Vanishing Father

The episode "The Vanishing Father" from season 13 of Frontline delves into the issue of absent fathers in America. Through the experiences of four different families, the episode explores the impact that a father's absence can have on children, spouses, and society as a whole.

The introduction sets the stage for the episode, highlighting the fact that millions of children in America grow up without a father, and that this has been linked to a range of negative outcomes, from poverty to mental health issues to incarceration. The episode asks why so many fathers are disappearing from their families, and what can be done to address this problem.

The first family profiled is that of a single mother with four children, whose husband walked out on them years earlier. She speaks candidly about the challenges of raising children alone, including financial struggles, balancing work and parenting, and dealing with her children's resentment towards their father. The episode explores how the absence of a father affects children differently depending on their age and gender, with boys often acting out and girls becoming withdrawn.

Next, the episode explores the experiences of a father who is trying to reconnect with his son after years of being absent from his life. The father admits to making mistakes in the past, but is now actively trying to be a part of his son's life and make up for lost time. The episode raises the question of whether it is ever too late for a father to come back into his child's life, and whether forgiveness is possible after years of hurt.

The third family profiled is that of a father who is currently in prison for drug offenses. His wife and children speak about the challenges of maintaining a relationship while he is behind bars, and the stigma and shame that they feel as a result of his incarceration. The episode discusses the high rates of incarceration among fathers in America, and how this perpetuates the cycle of absent fathers and negative outcomes for children.

Finally, the episode explores the experiences of a father who is actively involved in his children's lives, and the positive impact that this has had on them. He speaks about the importance of being present for your children, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing them grow and thrive. The episode questions why some fathers choose to walk away from their families, and whether there are societal factors at play that encourage this behavior.

Throughout the episode, experts weigh in on the issue of absent fathers in America, discussing the societal, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to this problem. They offer potential solutions, such as fatherhood programs that help men become better parents, and policies that support working fathers. Overall, the episode sheds light on an important issue that affects millions of families in America, and offers hope for a future where all children have the opportunity to grow up with a loving and involved father.