Benefits of fathers' role highlighted

Greater engagement of fathers in rearing of their children can result in social, educational and psychological benefits for the child, according to a report published today.

The report, an evaluation of the Da Project - a pilot scheme in the Barnardos' centre in Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot - , looked at ways to support and improve the participation of fathers in their children's lives.

It found that the benefits of a father's positive involvement in a child's life meant children were less likely to end up in the criminal justice system and were more likely to do well in primary school.

Children are also more likely to be productive, industrious and caring members of society with a father's involvement.

Speaking today, Barnardos chief executive Fergus Finlay said: "Barnardos' Da Project highlights the importance of engaging fathers in the lives of their children . . . it illustrates the really positive influence that a male role model can have on their childhood and their future development."

Under the pilot scheme, levels of involvement from fathers whose children attend the Barnardos centre in Cherry Orchard increased from 21 per cent to 50 per cent.

The report also found that the project's engagement with fathers had also changed, by increasing the proportion of fathers with whom it either engaged with, through in-depth case work or through providing support to them, from 7 per cent to 30 per cent.

It concluded that although the Da Project had not fully achieved its aim of developing programmes of work with fathers, it has laid the basis on which these can be developed.