‘Dad, Where are we Going to Live Now?’ Exploring Fathers’ Experiences of Homelessness

Abstract

In 2003, over 41 000 families with accompanying children throughout Australia were assisted by homeless services. Sole fathers with children in their care who are homeless are a minority group within this overall population of homeless families and, as such, little is known about their experiences of homelessness and fathering. The present paper reports on an exploratory study of sole fathers with children in their care who were homeless in the Australian Capital Territory. The study identifies the fathers’ pathways into and experiences of homelessness, and the fathers share their stories of what it means to be a sole father. The paper identifies the issues fathers may experience when dealing with homelessness and fatherhood. An increased understanding of these experiences can contribute to the development of further research and improved practice with such families.

Keywords:

• Children
• Homelessness
• Sole Father

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the fathers who provided their time and shared their experiences with us. The research was funded under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) Service and Regional Research Program, Small Research Projects, for 2003–2004.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Morag McArthur

Morag McArthur (PhD) is Director, Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Joanna Zubrzycki

Joanna Zubrzycki (PhD) is a senior lecturer in the School of Social Work, ACU

Anthony Rochester

Anthony Rochester (MApplPsych) is Coordinator of Canberra Fathers and Children Service Inc

Lorraine Thomson

Lorraine Thomson (MSW) is a research officer in the School of Social Work, ACU