New engaging fathers website a first for Australia

Friday 1 September 2006

A new website launched by the University of Newcastle is the first in Australia dedicated to showing how family services and organisations can better include fathers.

The website is based on leading research by the Family Action Centre to develop the National Framework For Father-Inclusive Practice.

Judi Geggie, Family Action Centre Director, said ninety per cent of people using support services for families were women.

"Changes in the workforce, and the participation of men in families, means that dads are now engaged more as parents. However, the services that support dads and parents haven't kept pace with these changes, and - in spite of their changing role - few of the clients of family services in Australia are men," said Ms Geggie.

"Evidence shows that fathers' involvement with infants and children can improve children’s wellbeing. This website, and the national framework, offers guidelines to help services promote this positive effect that fathers have on the wellbeing of children and families."

The website has been created by practitioners from around Australia working with fathers and contains a host of useful information and resources designed to link support services, fathers and practitioners. The 'links' page directs users to the best of the best; organisations that are providing high quality services for dads.

The development of the website was supported by funding from the Australian Government under the stronger Families and Communities Strategy. The website provides advice on how family services, such as prenatal classes, childcare, playgroups and school support groups can include fathers.

Visit the website at: www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/fac/efathers/includingfathers

For interviews: Judi Geggie, Family Action Centre Director, on 02 4921 6859.