Patterns of Engagement and Non-Engagement of Young Fathers in Early Intervention and Safeguarding Work
1School of Sociology and Social Policy , University of Nottingham
Insights
This study examined early intervention with young fathers in the UK
Area of Science:
- Social Work
- Public Health
- Early Intervention Programs
Background:
- Vulnerable teenage mothers often receive support through home visitation services like the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP).
- The engagement of fathers in these early intervention programs is crucial for child safeguarding and family well-being.
- Limited research exists on how fathers interact with and are supported by such services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and methods of early intervention and safeguarding work with fathers of babies born to teenage mothers in the UK.
- To identify patterns of father engagement with the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) service.
- To explore the factors influencing professional-father relationships within early intervention contexts.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research drawing on a study of the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) in the UK.
- Analysis of how early intervention work was conducted with fathers of babies receiving FNP support.
- Identification of engagement patterns and relationship dynamics between professionals and fathers.
Main Results:
- Three primary patterns of father engagement were identified: full engagement, partial engagement, and initial/ongoing resistance or hostility.
- Nuanced aspects of professional-father relationships were observed, influenced by various interacting factors.
- The study highlights the variability in how fathers connect with early intervention services.
Conclusions:
- Early intervention and safeguarding efforts need to consider diverse father engagement patterns.
- Understanding the complexities of professional-father relationships is key to effective support for young families.
- Tailored approaches may be necessary to engage fathers effectively in early intervention and safeguarding work.
Abstract:
This article is based on research into early intervention and safeguarding work with young fathers. It draws on a study of the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP), a home visitation service in the UK that is offered to vulnerable teenage mothers. The research investigated whether and how such early intervention work was done with the fathers of these babies. Three broad patterns of engagement emerged from the research: (1) where fathers were fully engaged with the service straightaway and the relationship with the family nurse deepened over time; (2) where fathers were partially engaged with the service; and (3) where fathers were resentful at the outset and never stopped being resistant and sometimes hostile towards intervention. Within these broad patterns several nuanced aspects of professional-father relationships are identified, which are the product of the interaction of several factors. Some general implications for early intervention and safeguarding work with fathers and their babies are drawn out.
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