If one is to analyze social policies with regard to young fathers, one will need to take into account the social policies aimed at young people, young parents and parenthood itself, since they all lie at the heart of their social roles. Based on the documents I have consulted, I note the existence of detailed, in-depth analyses of the issues and needs confronting young parents, but of nothing much concerning the services offered to young fathers. However, when the subject does come up, the approach is quite different from that used for mothers. Even though the issue of paternity is included more and more in recommendations and social policies, one finds significant contradictions between statements of principle and the implementation of services for young parents. The offers of services to young mothers are couched in very specific language; those addressed to fathers content themselves with no more than statements of principle.