Social work with fathers: Positive practice Gary Clapton

Reviewed by: Francis McFaul, The Open University, Scotland

Over the years, work with fathers has become increasingly important. This book takes a look at effective practice with the fathers involved. The book promotes practice that is father aware and father centered. All types of fathers are considered, biological fathers, young fathers, stepfathers, and lone fathers. The author suggests that in some form a father figure is always available. The book's main premise is that fathers are important in the lives of their children.

This volume considers organizations that promote work with fathers and looks at research being carried out at the present time. It offers a Scottish context and considers work with fathers on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. In considering fathers who have disengaged, the book offers insight on how to help them re-engage in the support of their children. The book explores topics such as maleness and being able to express a view from a male perspective. Each of chapters dovetails nicely into the one following. At times, case studies are used to exemplify points and throughout, the reader is signposted to key research. The book is a journey that begins with thoughts around finding fathers and ends with practice advice for workers. At just over 100 pages this volume is very accessible and easy to read. The introduction considers the importance of parenting to men and that fathers are important to their children. It promotes the idea of father inclusive practice, suggesting that fathers have been overlooked in the past by professionals. Shifts have occurred in the way fatherhood is thought of—the new father is involved in active participation with his children.

Chapter 1 looks at defining fathers and fatherhood. It explores issues such as involvement and considers interaction, availability, and responsibility. A continuum of paternal involvement is offered and considers topics such as communication. Pathways of fathering are considered along with major drivers for involvement. The role of masculinity is also discussed. Chapter 2 suggests that from a U.K. perspective considering fatherhood is often seen as an add-on. However, research supports the idea that engaging fathers is good practice and brings benefits. Children prosper where there is a father figure involved with them, a child with a good relationship with their father will do well in adulthood, and the amount of time spent is not as important as the quality of this time. Issues around child protection are also considered.

In Chapter 3, reaching and engaging fathers is explored. This book will challenge readers as it suggests a belief in fathering is needed by practitioners. Fathers must be recognized as being equal to mothers in the parental role and responsibilities. Fathers are significant and can be a force for good. This chapter also considers whether or not the social worker should be male or female and issues surrounding this point. Chapter 4 looks at working with fathers and considers the principles of positive practice. It is important for the worker to try to build good relationships and work from a strengths-based perspective, rather than be driven by assumptions of deficit. The chapter also considers how to engage with young fathers, nonresident fathers, fathers in prison, stepfathers, and lone fathers. Less well-known categories of fathers such as gay fathers or black and minority ethnic group (BME) fathers are also discussed.

In Chapter 5, the author considers risk and suggests that fathers in this category should not be ignored. The skills involved in motivational interviewing are noted for working well with violent fathers. The chapter looks at assessment and engagement with violence, while offering guidelines to positive practice. It concludes by a discussion on supervising positive practice and offers a discourse on the Duluth model which is a psycho-educational strengths-based approach. In Chapter 6, the author looks at agencies working positively with fathers. There is a realization that positive practice with fathers is in its infancy and is usually instigated by an individual taking an interest, but suggests that working with fathers should be seen as part of the agency's core business, with teaching and training programs designed to reflect this. The final chapter considers father-friendly organizations and suggests that doing work with fathers is the role of all workers. It looks at how different approaches such as group work can engage different kinds of fathers. Practical tips are offered for running a fathers’ group.

In conclusion, this book should encourage practitioners to engage more proactively in working with fathers. Social work agencies should consider how they can become father friendly and promote the idea that fathers are central in the lives of their children.