With research showing that children who grow up with strong father figures are less likely to get into crime, grow up with mental health problems or struggle to form relationships, the importance of supporting father-child relationships has never been more in the spotlight. One area where more progress needs to be made is supporting teenage fathers who, for a variety of reasons, find it difficult to be involved in the lives of their children. A fifth of young fathers have never lived with their children, compared with only six per cent of older fathers. Encouraging young men to be active fathers is crucial for improving the life chances of children of teenage parents.
CASE STUDY 1
Working With Men is a charity devoted to men and boys in the particular challenges they face. Its Young Fathers Initiative aims to support and benefit young fathers and expectant young fathers in coming to terms with their parental role. The project is focused on helping teenage fathers acknowledge the importance of their involvement as fathers and developing self-confidence as young dads. The initiative has produced a free downloadable booklet, Young Father? Or About to Become One?, with practical information and advice. It details what they can expect during the pregnancy and how to deal with difficult situations.
CASE STUDY 2
The Father Involvement Project at children's charity Coram works with fathers aged 16 to 25 in the London boroughs of Camden and Barnet. Young fathers have special needs because of their status as fathers on the one hand and as young people on the other. With this in mind, the project brings together services for fathers and young people in order to tailor a flexible programme that meets their needs.
One-to-one mentoring on everything from nappy changing to relationship advice aims to develop long-lasting relationships with young fathers that will ensure they are aware of the support services that exist for them and the importance of their role as fathers. The project has seen an increase in the number of young fathers involved in their programmes and has helped young men to truly engage in their children's lives.
Anne Longfield is chief executive of 4Children
