Caring Dads
“No one is here to judge you know, everyone is in the same boat. It’s why we’re all on this course.”
“It actually is a safe space”
“Stick with it. Go with it and in the end you will become a better father.”
What is it?
Caring Dads is a group intervention programme aiming to help fathers, of any age, improve their relationship with their children. It helps dads learn how to spend time with children in healthy ways, and to understand the impact on children of controlling, abusive and neglectful actions, which include witnessing domestic violence. The programme is evidence-based and has been refined over the last 10 years. St Michael’s Fellowship is an accredited provider of Caring Dads.
Who is it for?
This programme is for men who want to be a positive force in their children’s lives.
- We accept referrals from individuals and other organisations.
- We check fathers are suitable for the programme before it starts with a screening interview.
- Fathers need to be having contact with their children at least every two weeks.
What does it do?
Fathers learn how to spend time with children in healthy ways, understanding the impact on children of controlling, abusive and neglectful actions, including domestic violence.
Why does this programme exist?
The Caring Dads group programme runs one evening a week. This programme runs for 17 weeks.
This group offers:
- A unique chance for men to connect as fathers
- A mix of active group exercises and homework
Facts about fathering:
- Fathers can and want to be a positive influence in the lives of their children
- Positively involving dads helps children be happier at home and at school.
Negative impacts:
Sadly, sometimes fathers can have a negative impact on their children, such as when they:
- Do not understand the feelings and needs of their children
- Argue frequently with their children’s mothers
- Use hurtful or controlling behaviour
An insight into being a Caring Dad:
“I fully respected and enjoyed being able to be in an environment where by I could share what I have been through and also hear other fathers’ experiences. This programme came to me at exactly the right time in my journey.”
An insight into being a Caring Dad:
“I surprisingly liked the length of the programme, despite my initial thoughts. I think the length helped things sink in.
Everyone genuinely wanted the best for all the Dads in the group. There were very clear tools and concepts to help you reflect on your past and to cope with future situations.”
Ofsted’s View:
Ofsted inspectors talked at length to a Caring Dad and member of St Michael’s staff delivering the programme about the process and impact. They were impressed with how the programme supports younger dads too. In their report, they stated:
“St Michael’s Fellowship programmes strengthen parenting for vulnerable young parents and safeguard their children exceptionally well. The work is extraordinarily powerful in changing young men and women’s attitudes to gangs and offending; it improves their relationships and helps them to sustain the care of their children safely.”
Further links highlighting research that supports Caring Dads:
- NSPCC ‘Caring Dads: Safer Children‘ Evaluation Report
- St Michael’s Fellowship ‘The Caring Dads Programme with young fathers in Lambeth’ a pilot carried out between 2015-2017
- American Psychological Association “Caring Dads, Safer Children: A families’ perspective on an intervention for maltreating fathers”
- University of Birmingham ‘Caring Dads Safer Children’ by Julie Taylor
- A link to a Caring Dads programme running in Leeds.
Funded Groups
Private Paying Groups
Downloadable Documents
Services
Residential Assessment Centres
Supporting families to keep children safe, healthy and happy.
Securing Change
Supporting parents in the community after a residential assessment.
Outreach Young Parent Support
Supporting young mothers and fathers in South London.
Jigsaw Contact Centre
A child-friendly contact service.
Caring Dads
Caring Dads is a group intervention programme aiming to help fathers, of any age, improve their relationship with their children.
Room Hire
Our family-friendly multi-use spaces in the heart of Streatham.
x3 spaces: flatlet, large family room & meeting/training room.
Professionals
Professionals can refer parents into all our services.
Parents
Parents can sign-up themselves for our Jigsaw Contact Centre, Outreach Service or our Caring Dads programme.
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