Engaging Fathers in Social Work: Practical Strategies

Why Father Engagement Matters

Research consistently shows that fathers who are positively involved in their children's lives contribute to better outcomes for children. Yet social work has historically focused predominantly on mothers, often leaving fathers as invisible figures in assessments and plans.

Engaging fathers isn't just about balance—it's about better outcomes, fairer assessments, and not missing key information about who is important in a child's life.

Common Barriers

Practitioner Barriers

• Assumptions that mothers are the primary carers
• Visiting when fathers are at work
• Focusing conversations on mothers
• Assumptions about fathers being absent or uninterested
• Discomfort working with men

Father-Related Barriers

• Work patterns making availability difficult
• Previous negative experiences with services
• Feeling excluded or judged
• Mothers acting as gatekeepers
• Cultural expectations about who deals with services

Identifying All Fathers and Male Carers

Ask Directly

• Who is the child's father?
• Are there other men who play a parenting role?
• Who are the mother's current and recent partners?
• Who else has contact with the child?

Don't Make Assumptions

• The child's surname may not match the father's
• Fathers may not live in the household
• There may be multiple father figures
• Mother may be reluctant to disclose

Practical Engagement Strategies

Scheduling

• Offer appointments at times fathers can attend
• Early morning, evening, or weekend options
• Don't assume mothers will pass on information
• Contact fathers directly when appropriate

Communication

• Address fathers directly in conversations
• Ask them specifically for their views
• Send correspondence to fathers, not just mothers
• Include fathers in meetings and conferences

Environment

• Consider whether your office is father-friendly
• Ensure materials and images include men
• Train staff to actively engage fathers

Assessing Fathers

Key Questions

• What role does the father play in the child's life?
• What is his parenting capacity?
• What is his relationship history?
• Are there any risk factors (violence, substance use)?
• What are his strengths as a parent?

Risks to Consider

• Domestic abuse history
• Previous safeguarding concerns
• Criminal history
• Impact on the child

Engaging fathers means assessing them properly—both their strengths and any risks.

When Mothers Resist

Sometimes mothers may try to prevent father involvement:

• Explore the reasons (safety concerns, conflict, etc.)
• Distinguish between legitimate safety concerns and gatekeeping
• Be clear about the child's right to a relationship
• Consider the father's legal rights
• Support contact where safe and appropriate

Non-Resident Fathers

Fathers who don't live with their children still matter:

• Include them in assessments
• Consider their views about the child
• Explore whether they could provide more support
• Assess them as potential carers if needed

Recording

Records should clearly evidence:

• Who the father is
• Attempts to engage him
• His involvement (or reasons for non-involvement)
• His views and perspectives
• Your assessment of his parenting

Conclusion

Engaging fathers isn't optional—it's essential for comprehensive assessment and better outcomes for children. Challenge assumptions, make practical adjustments, and actively include fathers in your work. Remember: a good assessment of a family includes all parents and significant figures in a child's life.