What being a father in the 21st Century means

1. What being a father in the 21st Century means David Bartlett Fatherhood Institute

24. Current engagement with fathers in children�s services Most staff lack framework for father-inclusive skills and knowledge: Low awareness of how important fathers are to children. Inadequate assessments of fathers (and paternal family) as risk and resource, especially when non-resident Understanding their role mainly as supporting mother-child relationships. Worry about possible negative effects on mothers / children if dads use mainstream services. Sometimes let mothers block fathers accessing services (especially if abusive/violent) Unconfident about engaging with dads. Practitioners sometimes afraid of fathers Inexperience or negative experiences with men. Too often seen as a risk, or assumed to be uninterested in their children (esp if young, BME, non-resident) See eg Featherstone et al (2007); Ferguson & Hogan (2004)

25. DCSF-initiated campaign now led by Fatherhood Institute - key information hub for policy and practice development Three overall goals: Father-inclusive children�s services - which systematically engage with fathers and support father-child and parental relationships Father-inclusive approaches at work - e.g. flexible working and leave arrangements which take account of fathers� roles in bringing up children Public understanding and debate about fatherhood and the importance of fathers� positive involvement in their children�s lives.

26. Think Fathers Guide - practical know how for services Think Fathers Champions - services, policymakers, employers etc who are committed to supporting father-child relationships Dad Test - self assessment framework, to be launched in October after consultation with Champions Big Fatherhood Debate - online debate about modern fatherhood To register as a Champion � email thinkfathers@fatherhoodinstitute.org

27. The Six Dad Test Commitments Leadership Team Environment Marketing and communication Recruiting fathers Monitoring and evaluation

28. Father-inclusive local services: Hull Teenage Pregnancy Support Service - all staff responsible for working with young dads - recruitment, induction, training, supervision reflect this systems: routine, practical registration & assessment of young dads and mums (including CAF); targeted literature effective partnerships: eg with Connexions, housing, Relate, domestic violence services integrated services: structured 18-week ante-natal programme addresses fathers� role throughout monitoring: referral, assessment and support of young dads carefully scrutinised consultation: with young dads and mums

29. Please register as a Champion: thinkfathers@fatherhoodinstitute.org