FNF: David Cameron misses the point on fathers' involvement

Friday, 16, Feb 2007 12:00

· David Cameron sends out mixed messages about fathers on the Today programme

· ‘Compelling’ fathers to be responsible for their children involves more than simply money

· Cameron calls for a “complete change in our values” but neglects to mention the importance of fathers’ involvement

David Cameron was given a rough ride by John Humphrys on the Today programme this morning, but he was sending out mixed messages. Talking about possible solutions to the lawlessness among young men - parts of South London have been the latest area of focus, Cameron said that the lack of a “culture of responsibility”, and in particular ‘absent fathers’ is to blame. Cameron spoke about fathers’ responsibilities and the need for the government to support families but, when pressed, only raised the issue of financial obligations and neglected to mention the importance of fathers’ involvement in parenting their children.

Families Need Fathers (FNF) hears from thousands of separated parents who desperately want to play a part in their children’s upbringing but are prevented from doing so by the current legal system. John Baker, FNF Chair, has said that “We are pleased by many of the initiatives of the Conservatives and look forward to working with them but politicians in all parties need to stop resorting to simple knee-jerk condemnation of absent fathers, and accept that the system they preside over is actually preventing men from being parents.”

“We are seeing yet again this week how young people, and boys in particular, are harder to discipline when their fathers are absent. Families Need Fathers believe that Shared Parenting is the best way to promote fathers’ involvement post separation and has issued a position paper to reinforce this view,” he added.

Communities, such as those in South London, are reaping the consequences of a generation of policy based on excluding fathers. Families Need Fathers holds weekly meetings in Central London and three quarters of those who attend are from ethnic minorities.

The Department for Education and Skills published a paper highlighting the importance of fathers’ involvement in their children’s education in 2003 and Families Need Fathers (FNF) has its own notes on the subject: http://www.fnf.org.uk/files/ECMconfnotes121006.pdf produced for The Children Now Fund’s 2nd National Conference For Children’s Services.

Families Need Fathers (FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status. Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child’s relationship with both parents. Founded in 1975, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.