Literacy news

Major Fatherhood Institute survey shows services must bridge the 'dad deficit'

22 Jun 2009

The poll of 500 dads from across Great Britain reveals that dads want to see services changing to meet increasing levels of involvement:

•  77% want to see longer opening hours so they can learn about and contribute to their child's welfare.
• Three-quarters want information provided that is relevant to dads and not just mums.
• 82% want to see staff employed who recognise fathers' contributions in children's lives.
• 78% want appropriate facilities provided so that fathers are not shut out.

Adrienne Burgess, Research Manager at the Fatherhood Institute said: Fathers are passionate about their children and want to be close to them. They also recognise the importance of changing nappies and other basic childcare, and knowing what's going on at school and with friends. However, the "mumsiness" of most child-related services and some outdated attitudes and working practices (such as opening hours), plus difficulty taking time off work mean there are very real barriers to fathers' being properly involved.

The results come as the Fatherhood Institute launches the Big Fatherhood Debate, inviting all dads, mums and service providers to contribute to the largest-ever online survey on dads and services and to share their views on the future of fatherhood. The findings will contribute to the first ever “Annual State of Fatherhood” report to be published in Spring 2010. The key findings will be communicated to Government, the media, academic researchers and local services.

(Fatherhood Institute, 22 June 2009)

Tags: Adults, Children, Talk To Your Baby, The home

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