This paper examines issues concerning mandated father involvement with their children, especially as this involvement affects children with special needs. The paper examines four points: (1) the history of the status of fathers, how it has changed, and why father involvement is an issue; (2) current regulations at the federal level which explicitly provide for or mandate father involvement; (3) court decisions which encourage or mandate father involvement with children having disabilities; and (4) implications for special educators of increased mandated father involvement. Two strands in current theories concerning mandated father involvement are noted: one which insists that father involvement is important and to be encouraged and the other which urges ultimate maternal control over child rearing. Four models of father influence on child development are compared: new dad, traditional dad, vestigial dad, and feared dad. A table identifies references in the Code of Federal Regulations concerning fathers' responsibilities. The almost exclusive emphasis in the law on the financial responsibilities of fathers is noted. Recent court decisions in various states concerning fathers of children with disabilities are summarized. Suggestions for encouraging more inclusive father involvement complete the paper. (Contains 38 references.) (DB)