The current research project
Working with fathers is a relatively recent innovation for social care and other helping services and we don't know much yet about the effectiveness of different approaches. My current research project includes three studies which should contribute to the evidence base for more effective work with fathers and especially the impact of this work on the emotional well-being of children.
Study 1 involves analysis of existing data on families and child health over time. It will examine which social factors, attitudes and behaviours in fathers are associated with children’s emotional well-being. (Note that ‘fathers’ here means all father figures, including biological fathers, step fathers and mothers’ boyfriends).
Study 2 tries to identify which kinds of approaches and services are most commonly being used in the UK by practitioners who see themselves as working to engage fathers. The survey report and short summary are available here and an open access journal paper here.
Study 3 consists of process evaluations of two programmes for fathers. The report on the process evaluation of Mellow Dads is available here and the report on the Family Links Islamic Values course is available here.
Study 1 involves analysis of existing data on families and child health over time. It will examine which social factors, attitudes and behaviours in fathers are associated with children’s emotional well-being. (Note that ‘fathers’ here means all father figures, including biological fathers, step fathers and mothers’ boyfriends).
Study 2 tries to identify which kinds of approaches and services are most commonly being used in the UK by practitioners who see themselves as working to engage fathers. The survey report and short summary are available here and an open access journal paper here.
Study 3 consists of process evaluations of two programmes for fathers. The report on the process evaluation of Mellow Dads is available here and the report on the Family Links Islamic Values course is available here.