Launch of Father Focus project
The HSE Dublin North East today (11th December, 2009) launched the Father Focus Project in the Regional Educational Centre, St. Brigid’s Hospital, Ardee, Co. Louth. This initiative developed by the Louth Teen Parents Support Programme (TPSP) and funded by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency aims to increase awareness and engagement of young men in order to support their partners during pregnancy and parenting.
The Father Focus Project includes an Information Booklet for Young Fathers offering practical advice on key issues for new dads, the changes that fatherhood will bring, how the baby will change and grow and information on father’s rights. It will be distributed to relevant healthcare and community settings in Co. Louth.
A Resource Pack for professionals working with young fathers in Louth has also been developed as part of the project. It covers topics such as parenting styles, child development, relationships, budgeting, dealing with feelings and legal entitlements and aims to assist young fathers to develop their parenting skills and to empower them to make informed choices regarding their parental responsibilities.
A Key Findings Report developed as part of the project will also assist project staff in planning support services for young fathers.
Speaking at the launch, Jim Mc Guigan, Child Care Manager, Louth Primary Community and Continuing Care Services said “the Father Focus Project is a positive and much needed initiative, the development of the young dad’s booklet is in line with international trends of developing user-friendly booklets that offer practical advice on key issues for new fathers.”
Looking to the future, Programme Leader, Joanne Murphy said “The overall plan is to circulate and pilot test the resource materials developed. A Training Programme will be offered in early 2010 so that practitioners can have an opportunity to try out the materials and provide feedback to the project staff.”
In 2007 the Crisis Pregnancy Agency invited submissions for funding under specific criteria linked to the Agency’s mandates. An application was submitted by Louth TPSP for funding to develop a resource pack to meet the needs of young fathers in Co. Louth, with the potential to be replicated in other areas.
Speaking at the launch, Fiona Larthwell, Administration Manager of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency added: “No matter what the circumstances, the role of parent is a difficult one, and it’s vital that all parents are aware of the supports that are there to help. The focus during and after pregnancy is very often on the mother, and projects such as ‘Father Focus’ provide a valuable resource to help new fathers to support their partner in parenthood and to become comfortable in their new role as father.”
The TPSP has a strong commitment to supporting training for community workers and HSE staff in the area of young fathers. The project based within the Family Support and Child Welfare Department promotes the development of an early intervention model that can impact positively on families and children.
