Article type: Original Research
9 October 2017
Volume 42 Issue 4
Article type: Original Research
9 October 2017
Volume 42 Issue 4
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Building Fathering Competencies Through a Universal, Soft-Entry, Early Intervention and Prevention Service
Kym Macfarlane1,2 *
Amy Hayes3
Ali Lakhani1
Glenn Hodgson4
Affiliations
1 School of Human Services and Social Work, Queensland, Griffith University Menzies Health Institute, Australia
2 The Salvation Army/Griffith University Knowledge Partnership, University Drive, Logan Campus, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia
3 School of Human Services and Social Work, Logan, Griffith University Alumni, Australia
4 The Salvation Army Australian Eastern Territory, Communities for Children, Logan, Australia
Correspondence
* Kym Macfarlane
Contributions
Kym Macfarlane -
Amy Hayes -
Ali Lakhani -
Glenn Hodgson -
Kym Macfarlane1,2 *
Amy Hayes3
Ali Lakhani1
Glenn Hodgson4
Affiliations
1 School of Human Services and Social Work, Queensland, Griffith University Menzies Health Institute, Australia
2 The Salvation Army/Griffith University Knowledge Partnership, University Drive, Logan Campus, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia
3 School of Human Services and Social Work, Logan, Griffith University Alumni, Australia
4 The Salvation Army Australian Eastern Territory, Communities for Children, Logan, Australia
Correspondence
* Kym Macfarlane
CITATION: Macfarlane K., Hayes A., Lakhani A., & Hodgson G. (2017). Building Fathering Competencies Through a Universal, Soft-Entry, Early Intervention and Prevention Service. Children Australia, 42(4), 2091. doi.org/10.1017/cha.2017.35
Abstract
There is sparse research on playgroups for fathers, therefore, the benefits of such programmes are difficult to discern. However, there is much research on the positive developmental outcomes children experience with involved fathers (Appl, Brown, &; Stone, 2008; Evans, Harrison, Rempel, &; Slater, 2006; Green, 2003; Rosenberg &; Wilcox, 2006). This research focused on a Dad's playgroup run as part of the Communities for Children Logan Project in south-east Queensland, Australia. The research found that the fathers gained positive results as being a part of the playgroup, including improved family functioning, a feeling of belonging to a community in which advice was freely available, improved relationships with their child/children and feelings that this programme met the unique needs of fathers when others in the community have not. These needs were met through the play environment, scheduling, staffing and support networks.