First, young, unmarried fathers are substantially more delinquent than their nonfather peers even prior to the conception and birth of their children. Second, the additional stresses induced by an out-of-wedlock paternity appear to be translated into a very distinctive pattern of increased criminal behavior. Finally, rigorous child support enforcement does not appear to increase the offense rates of young men. Rather, young fathers who were previously arrested are more apt to contest a paternity case and are less likely to meet their child support obligations. (Author abstract)