Father friendly policy is skin-deep

The government-funded organisation makes the claim in its research, Evaluating the Evidence: Fathers, Families and Children.

The literature review, authored by Dr Kirsten Asmussen, was shown to ministers last November.

Asmussen said she believes the government wants better outcomes for children and families. But she said the recent green paper, Support for All, focuses too much on fathers' presence in services instead of actually ensuring services improve a father's relationship with his family.

"The government message appears to be more engagement is better, but how much more and why?" she said. "It is not cost effective to get fathers involved for the sake of it.

"If there was evidence to underpin the government messages it would be easier to turn into practice."

Green paper policies include guidance for midwives on getting fathers more involved, and information and advice for fathers on their role around the birth of the child.

Asmussen added that policies to increase engagement during pregnancy amount to "window dressing", when more evidence-based services are needed.

A Department for Children, Schools and Families spokeswoman said: "Father involvement during pregnancy and in the early months is crucial. The theme of the green paper is about the importance of strong and stable relationships - it is important to get this right from the very early days."

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