Engaging fathers in child and family services
Participation, perceptions and good practice
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September 2008
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Abstract
This article reports findings from the Engaging Fathers in the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy study, a component of the national evaluation of the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy (SFCS) conducted by the Social and Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales and the Institute. This study explores the nature and context of fathers’ engagement with child and family services. In-depth interviews were conducted with service managers and project facilitators from a sample of SFCS-funded services and programs, and focus groups were held with fathers accessing services. It was found that positive father engagement in services is most likely where: the worker is a male and a father himself; is liked and trusted; and creates dialogue by sharing personal experiences. Fathers tended to be alienated by “experts” and highly structured program formats, and preferred informal peer discussions and “hands-on” program activities. A number of useful strategies for engaging with fathers and barriers that impact on their participation were also identified.
This article reports findings from the Engaging Fathers in the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy study, a component of the national evaluation of the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy (SFCS) conducted by the Social and Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales and the Institute. This study explores the nature and context of fathers’ engagement with child and family services. In-depth interviews were conducted with service managers and project facilitators from a sample of SFCS-funded services and programs, and focus groups were held with fathers accessing services. It was found that positive father engagement in services is most likely where: the worker is a male and a father himself; is liked and trusted; and creates dialogue by sharing personal experiences. Fathers tended to be alienated by “experts” and highly structured program formats, and preferred informal peer discussions and “hands-on” program activities. A number of useful strategies for engaging with fathers and barriers that impact on their participation were also identified.
Berlyn, C., Wise, S., & Soriano, G. (2008). Engaging fathers in child and family services: Participation, perceptions and good practice. Family Matters, 80, 37–42.