A Systemic Approach to Improving the Engagement of Fathers in Child Safeguarding. (5th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scourfield, Jonathan; Smail, Pat; Butler, Dan
• Is Part Of: Child abuse review. Volume 24:Number 2(2015:Mar./Apr.)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2014-09-05
• Subjects: Child abuse -- Periodicals; Child abuse -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Abused children -- Services for -- Periodicals; Abused children -- Services for -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.76
• DOI: 10.1002/car.2333
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-9136

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="car2333-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>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.</p> <boxed-text content-type="pullQuote" id="car2333-blk-0001" position="anchor" orientation="portrait"> <p>'A bold attempt to improve practice in this domain through a systemic approach'</p> </boxed-text> </sec> <sec id="car2333-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Key Practitioner Messages</title> <p> <list id="car2333-list-0001" list-type="bullet"> <list-item id="car2333-li-0001"> <p>Improving father engagement requires cultural change in organisations.</p> </list-item> <list-item id="car2333-li-0002"> <p>Achieving change in child safeguarding is challenging in the face of austerity and competing demands.</p> </list-item> <list-item id="car2333-li-0003"> <p>A systemic approach involves work with managers, as well as practitioners, and improvement of bureaucratic systems, as well as face‐to‐face interaction.</p> </list-item> <list-item id="car2333-li-0004"> <p>Training needs to focus on skills, as well as knowledge.</p> </list-item> </list> </p> <boxed-text content-type="pullQuote" id="car2333-blk-0002" position="anchor" orientation="portrait"> <p>'Training needs to focus on skills as well as knowledge'</p> </boxed-text> </sec> </abstract>