Activities and outputs
The two key activities for this project are:
- Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the public sector Gender Equality Duties in Scotland
- Identifying and sharing current approaches and examples of good practice
Dads2b Resource (link to PDF)
This resource was produced for professionals providing antenatal education and support to fathers and includes engaging activities and practical teaching aids. It was produced in partnership by Children in Scotland, NHS Lothian, NCT (National Childbirth Trust), West Lothian Sure Start and Fathers Network Scotland, and launched in June 2011 at NHS Health Scotland events for the new Scottish Antenatal Parent Education Pack. CD Rom copies are available from Children in Scotland and the resource can also be viewed in full on the Children in Scotland website.
Contact kallen@childreninscotland.org.uk, 0131 222 2440 or scollier@childreninscotland.org.uk, 0131 222 2412 for more information and/or CD Rom copies of the Dads2b Resource (FREE while stocks last).
We are also happy to receive any feedback on the resource to the addresses above as we look to develop this work further.
Project Updates:
Positive engagement with fathers in early years: the role of antenatal and postnatal services – presentation (PDF of powerpoint)
‘Breaking-down Stereotypes’ – publication
Report from practice sharing events
This report captures key learning from the practice-sharing events we held earlier in 2010, shares practical tips for engaging with dads and tackling stereotypes, and finally, makes a series of policy recommendations.
The report highlights the long term – as well as immediate – benefits to children and families of investment in services which support fathers and, more broadly, men as carers. At Children in Scotland we firmly believe that support to fathers (as well as mothers) is an essential element of family support services, and one in which there is potential to make a substantial difference to outcomes for children and young people. Challenging gender stereotypes and changing attitudes is also an important aspect of this work. We shall continue to make these points strenuously over the coming months, particularly in the light of impending budgetary cuts (see item below on budget cuts).
We will be circulating this report widely to both national and local authority level policy and decision –makers. We shall also be sending copies directly to participants in the 2010 Glasgow and Aberdeen events and to others on our project mailing list. Additionally, we have a small number of hard copies available on request while stocks last.
A big ‘thank you’ to all who participated in the events and contributed to the report. We would be very pleased to hear from you if you have any comments, queries or suggestions about future work.
Breaking Down stereotypes and engaging fathers in services for children and families
A total of 86 professionals attended our two ‘Breaking-down stereotypes and engaging fathers in services for children and families’ events held in Glasgow (2 February 2010) and Aberdeen (9 March 2010). These events included: 7 practitioner and service-user led workshops, a presentation of the national survey results, an evidence-based presentation by the Fatherhood Institute on why it is important to engage with fathers, introductory presentations from the Scottish Government Equality Unit (Glasgow) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (Glasgow and Edinburgh).
Report from practice sharing events
Presentations and resources from these events:
Fatherhood Institute Presentation - presentation by Kathy Jones (please note all images are copyrighted).
Making the Gender Equality Duty Real - presentation by Dr Katrina Allen.
Engaging with Fathers - presentation by Tom Carroll and Neil Sutherland. Contact details:
Thomas Carroll
Lone Fathers Support Worker
tomcarroll@opfs.org.uk
One Parent Families Scotland13 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh EH1 3NX
Lone Parent Helpline: 0808 801 0323
Tel: (0131) 556 3899
Fax: (0131) 557 7899
Publications
Baby leave for dads - Article from Children in Scotland magazine May 2010.
Supporting young fathers - Article from Children in Scotland magazine March 2010.
Pdf file: Making the Gender Equality Duty real for children, young people and their fathers (858 KB) (Hard copies are also available on request.)
Pdf file: Fathers and the Flexible Workplace: Benefits & Barriers (699 KB)
The Edinburgh lone father’s club - Article by Tom Carroll in Children in Scotland magazine June 2009.
Further material and documents will be added as the project progresses.
