Citation

Scourfield J, Smail P, Butler D. Child Abuse Rev. 2015; 24(2): 129-139.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/car.2333

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Increasing the involvement of fathers in child safeguarding is an issue which has seen relatively little practice innovation in mainstream services. This article concerns a bold attempt to improve practice in this domain through a systemic approach. Key findings are presented from an evaluation of a Fatherhood Institute project in six English local authorities. The intervention was positively received and the self-efficacy of children's services staff improved on most measures as a result of training. However, not all planned aspects of the project could be implemented. The article reflects on the challenge of achieving practice change in these areas - both child safeguarding and engaging fathers - where established practices are deep-rooted. There is also reflection on the challenge of public service innovation in a context of austerity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

'A bold attempt to improve practice in this domain through a systemic approach'

Key Practitioner Messages




* Improving father engagement requires cultural change in organisations.

* Achieving change in child safeguarding is challenging in the face of austerity and competing demands.

* A systemic approach involves work with managers, as well as practitioners, and improvement of bureaucratic systems, as well as face-to-face interaction.

* Training needs to focus on skills, as well as knowledge.

'Training needs to focus on skills as well as knowledge'

Language: en