This chapter explores demographic features of fathers, who they are, where they are, and how fathering as a concept has changed over the generations. Research findings on the benefits of father involvement are shared, and cultural aspects of working with fathers are examined. Key practice points for professionals working with fathers are listed.
Concepts of fathering are explored and research findings on fathers and their relationships and impacts on boys and girls are shared. The need for fathers is highlighted and characteristics and best practices for working with different types of fathers are discussed, including: lone fathers, separated fathers, and stepfathers. Key practice points for professionals working with fathers are listed.
The role of fathers in families is explored, as well as their feelings about their children, parenting strategies, and involvement with their children. The impact of fathering on the psychopathology of children is discussed, as well as the impact of the parental relationship, the role of grandparents, and the challenges faced by gay parents. Key practice points for professionals working with fathers are listed.
This chapter looks at the extent and impact of fathers' violence on children and children's own perspectives on their violent fathers. Key findings from the research on the varying ways children are harmed through this violence are summarized, as well as research on children's views of living with paternal domestic violence and their feelings towards their fathers. (Author abstract modified)
This chapter looks at the way fatherhood has been constructed through social policy and law and how this relates to discourses of domestic violence. It discusses the influence of fathers' rights movements on policy formation and the contradictions created for practitioners in trying to negotiate between two different policy discourses: that of safeguarding children and involving violent and abusive fathers in children's lives. (Author abstract modified)
A study of 20 domestically violent fathers in the United Kingdom explored the approaches of perpetrator programs in addressing children's safety in their interventions with the fathers and perspectives of the fathers on changes in their parenting practices. Findings indicate a lack of focus on children's fears and feelings in the programs.
