Father Inclusive Guidance

Father inclusive practice means that the needs of fathers and father figures are responded to through the planning, development, and delivery of services by:

  • recognising the diverse circumstances, strengths and interests of fathers,
  • taking a positive approach to the diversity of men, their needs, and expectations,
  • encouraging fathers and service providers to openly celebrate and value fathering.

A lack of father inclusivity has been cited as a factor in both national and local child safeguarding practice reviews, as well as in a broad range of research. Father inclusion is an essential element of practice with children and families to ensure the wellbeing and safeguarding of children and young people.

Kent has produced Father Inclusive Guidance and accompanying resources to support practitioners and service providers in taking an inclusive approach to fathers.

Kent Father Inclusive Guidance
(PDF, 546.4 KB)

Kent Father Inclusive One Minute Guide (PDF, 251.7 KB)

Kent Father Inclusive Checklist (PDF, 151.6 KB)

Engaging New Dads - Workforce Development resources

As part of the Start for Life & Family Hubs Programme, this course is designed to share with you some of the views and experiences gathered from over 100 expectant and new dads across Kent about their journey to parenthood and to support you to reflect on your role in their journey.

Each topic provides insights into what Dads shared, with points for consideration about how these views and experiences could impact your practice.

They have been designed flexibly so you can select the short course or select the series for more extended team development.  At the end of each module, we encourage you to complete the ‘Time to Reflect’ exercise, which is designed to support you to think about how you could make changes in your own practice.

The course is intended for professionals from any background, community leaders or volunteers who may be engaging with expectant / new Dads as part of their role.  The course can be accessed via the KSCMP training portal.

Copies of the z-cards to support 1minute interactions, as well as additional Start for Life resources can be ordered online.