The Family Action Centre: Father-Inclusive Practice Guide

Perhaps the most important benefit of father-inclusive practice is the enormous rewards this has for children. Positive and consistent father-child interaction brings the support and protection needed to increase social, emotional and cognitive development.

Children often have an increased sense of wellbeing, a clearer sense of their identity and greater resilience to adversity. Father-inclusive practice strengthens and supports families and is vitally important for the community as a whole.

Evidence shows that when fathers take a positive, active role in the lives of their children, there are:

• less behavioural problems
• improved social skills; and
• better educational outcomes as a result.

It is becoming more apparent that the role of fathers in families is changing. Fathers, whether they are the primary caregiver, separated from the family, step-fathers or grandfathers they are increasingly playing a greater role and becoming more active in their children's lives.

The key elements of father-inclusive practice

Many fathers are still reluctant to approach or utilise services because of the many and varied barriers to accessibility they face. Organisations need to be:

• proactive in their efforts to engage fathers
• reassess the way they plan, develop and deliver their programs; and
• address accessibility issues to align themselves with the increased need to provide services that meet, and are responsive to the needs of fathers.

In essence, father- inclusive practice aims to:

• value and support men in their role as fathers
• actively encourage their participation in programs; and
• ensure they are appropriately and equally considered in all aspects of service delivery.

This can include, but is not limited to:

• the introduction of father specific programs and resources
• the way groups are facilitated
• attitudes and skills of staff members
• recruitment
• language used in promotional materials
• flexible opening hours; and
• the physical environment