Fathers and families: Research and Reflection on key questions.

"The development of services for fathers faces a number of specific challenges including: finding out the needs of fathers, particularly the needs of different types of vulnerable fathers; adopting and promoting a strengths based perspective to work with fathers as with families generally; training professionals to see fathers as part of the family even where they are not living in the same household as the mother and child; recruiting more men in to the caring professionals and promoting awareness of family services in a way which is seen as supportive of men and fathers at every stage of the life cycle from child birth to old age.

I appreciate that fathers involvement in quality parenting is important for the development and well-being of their children and their participation in this parenting can contribute to increased parental equality, both within and outside the home". Mary Hanafin T.D. Minister for Children

This report is based on a reflective reading of the now extensive body of research which has accumulated on the theme of fathers over the past decade or so. In this sense, the report is built on a solid foundation of research evidence. However facts need to be interpreted and the report tries to reflect upon the significance of this research, particularly in the context of Irish fathers and families.

Each chapter in the report addresses a key question about fathers. This format seems most appropriate in terms of focusing attention on the central issues of fact and interpretation which need to be clarified. In addition, this approach is designed to make the report as accessible as possible to the growing number of people who, in addition to their own personal interest in fathers and families, also have an ongoing professional interest in them as well. The nine key questions which are addressed in the report are:

• Why a report on fathers?
• Is the role of fathers changing?
• How are men initiated into fatherhood?
• What impact do fathers have on children?
• How does the law treat fathers?
• How do non-resident fathers parent their children?
• How do stepfathers parent their children?
• How can family services support fathers?
• Can fathering skills be taught?