Nursery World - In brief...Child protection services exclude many fathers and stepfathers

Child protection services are excluding many fathers and stepfathers from having a say about their children's future, delegates at a conference in London were told last week. The conference, 'My Dad, My Protector?', co-hosted by Fathers Direct and the NSPCC, highlighted Government-funded research which has found that only a third of non-resident fathers are included in any child protection consultation. The NSPCC said its helpline received two calls every day from fathers and male carers concerned that their children are being abused or neglected by others. NSPCC chief executive Mary Marsh said, 'Children should feel they can turn to their dads if they have a problem but sadly, many are unable to do so. Professionals need to value fathers as part of the solution.' David Bartlett of Fathers Direct added, 'The real tragedy is that we are missing a huge opportunity to improve children's lives by ensuring, where fathers are not the abusers, that they are at the heart of supporting children who are in danger.'

Professionals need to value fathers as part of the solution.' David Bartlett of Fathers Direct added, 'The real tragedy is that we are missing a huge opportunity to improve children's lives by ensuring, where fathers are not the abusers, that they are at the heart of supporting children who are in danger.'

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