News Release, 8 August 2005
Many fathers of children with learning disabilities are not included in decisions affecting their child and are sidelined, according to the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. To explore this further, the charity today launched Recognising Fathers, a new research project to understand the real and distressing issues faced by dads.
The research, to last for 12 months, will learn from fathers:
- The problems they have experienced using services and receiving help
- Their needs and wishes regarding father friendly support
- The ways in which they have, or have not, been able to contribute to family life and the development of their child
- The effects of having a child with a learning disability upon a father’s relationship with his partner
To help in the research, the Foundation wants to hear from support services and organisations that can demonstrate examples of good practice, when working with fathers.
Recognising Fathers hopes to develop practical approaches and influence policy to support fathers and make them feel more empowered. Practical information for fathers, and a policy report for professionals, will be available in July 2006.
Hazel Morgan, Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, says:
“We know that support for families raising a child with a learning disability is very much geared towards the mother. Often appointments with professionals are made in the middle of the working day and fathers can find this difficult and often feel excluded from discussions and decisions regarding their child. Through the Recognising Fathers project we want to work to find ways to ensure fathers feel supported, involved and empowered.”
More information at Recognising Fathers or please contact Christine Towers, Research Project Manager, on 020 7803 1158 or at ctowers@fpld.org.uk.
Ends
Return to news releases 2005
Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
