News
‘Dad Test’ launched for early years services
9 Dec 2009
According to the Institute, many public services unwittingly create an environment that pushes fathers away and discourages their involvement. The Dad Test allows service providers to self-assess how effectively they interact with and support fathers. As part of the Dad Test, there is also a logbook that identifies in detail what services need to do to become father-inclusive and to record progress.
David Bartlett, deputy chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute, said, 'We're looking for services that are leading the way and committed to championing father-inclusive services.
Ultimately, we want to see all local authorities develop workforce strategies that mean all staff are recruited and trained to have the core skills necessary to support father-child relationships. We want to see the Dad Test embedded in good practice in all public services across the country.
Both these resources have been produced as part of the Fatherhood Institute's Think Fathers campaign, which is backed by the DCSF. The Fatherhood Institute is also launching a comprehensive support package designed for all children's, family and health services. It will work in partnership with the Think Fathers Champions aspect of the campaign, which encourages individuals and agencies to push for change.
Further information can be found at: www.fatherhoodinstitute.org.
(Nursery World, 9 December 2009)
