The evidence base for including fathers
The South Australian Department of Health commissioned the Engaging Fathers Program of the Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle, NSW, to investigate the question "Will the inclusion of fathers in SA children’s centre activities lead to enhanced health and wellbeing for family members?"
The research was carried out by Dr Richard Fletcher, Natalie Close, Anet Babakhani and Robert Churchward. Dr Elyssa Joy (Family Action Centre) assisted with the design and the review of papers for the systematic search relating to fathers impact on children’s wellbeing. Associate Professor Paul Ward (Flinders University) assisted with the Realist Review process.
The full report, titled Men and Children's Centres: A systematic explanatory review -- Improving men’s participation in primary health services in South Australia, was first published in October 2008.
Download a full version of the report (2.8MB) a PDF here.
Good Beginnings and the Family Action Centre co-manage the Including Fathers in Early Childhood Services website