Breaking the Mould or Meeting the Needs? Fathers' Use of Family Support Services

Abstract

Fathers have attracted increased government attention in recent years and a number of research studies and reports have focused upon the role of fathers and the significance of the father figure. This article draws on a small study undertaken at an Early Years Centre in the north of England. The aims of the research were to identify the needs of fathers, and any barriers preventing men accessing services such as those offered at the Centre. Two findings were drawn from the study. First, the traditional and stereotypical image of ‘masculinity’ is important in the area and may contribute to men not wanting to use services. Second, the Centre's current users were not demographically typical of the area. Most were employed and married: this was not typical of the community. The study suggests that the staff's attitudes and service priorities may have an impact on the users of a centre and these should be further explored.

Keywords:

• fathers
• family support
• parenting
• early years services

Notes

Barry Fearnley is a social worker in a Hospital Social Work Team. He has worked in Residential Children's Homes and Family Support Projects. His areas of interest are emotional abuse and neglect, social exclusion, and the transmission of deprivation between generations.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Barry Fearnley

Barry Fearnley is a social worker in a Hospital Social Work Team. He has worked in Residential Children's Homes and Family Support Projects. His areas of interest are emotional abuse and neglect, social exclusion, and the transmission of deprivation between generations.