@article{ref1,
title="A systemic approach to improving the engagement of fathers in child safeguarding",
journal="Child abuse review",
year="2015",
author="Scourfield, Jonathan and Smail, Pat and Butler, Dan",
volume="24",
number="2",
pages="129-139",
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'<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0952-9136",
doi="10.1002/car.2333",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/car.2333"
}