Dads still part of the family?

Warwick Marsh
Fatherhood Foundation Newsletter - May 2010

When we think of the modern family structure and the apparent diminishing role Dads play – are we becoming a society of fatherless families?  And what are our communities doing to address this sensitive issue?

The effect fatherlessness is having on our children is alarming.

Fatherlessness has been shown to increase the likelihood of increased poverty, increased crime, increased incarceration in prison, increased likelihood of violent sex crimes against women, increased drug abuse, lower educational performance, increased susceptibility to mental health problems, increased risk of suicide and increased likelihood of child sexual abuse.  If Australia can increase the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible and committed fathers, we can begin to solve the problem of fatherlessness in Australia [source: Kids in Distress, Australia].

In contrast, children with fathers at home tend to do better in school, are less prone to depression and are more successful in relationships. Children from one-parent families achieve less and get into trouble more than children from two parent families.

Dads4Kids CEO Warwick Marsh commented, “Our organisation is committed to the prevention of fatherlessness in Australia and this is central to our work as a childhood harm prevention charity.”

One expert from Harvard Medical School who has studied over 40 years of research on the question of parental absence and children's well being  said, "What has been shown over and over again to contribute most to the emotional development of the child is a close, warm, sustained and continuous relationship with both parents."

Dads4Kids and its members are committed to educating the community about fatherlessness in Australia and will be convening its inaugural Marriage and Family Conference in Wollongong NSW on 12-14 May 2010 in conjunction with National Families Week.  The aim of the conference is to provide information and resources on topics including marriage, family support, empowering mothers, inspiring fathers and help for children.

To register for the Dads4Kids Conference visit www.fatherhood.org.au or call (02) 4272 6677.

Warwick Marsh, Dads4Kids Fatherhood Foundation,

Mob: 0418 225 212,

Tel: 02 4272 6677 

Email: info@fatherhood.org.au
Web: www.fatherhood.org.au

Please Note: Richard Egan from Family Voice Australia is one of the most careful and reasoned family researchers in Australia. His comments on the proposed changes to family Law are quite alarming. We include them below for your perusal.