Why is it Important to Involve New Fathers in the Care of Their Child

Research into fathers’ unique contributions to the
physical, emotional, social and cognitive wellbeing of
their offspring has been ongoing for several decades.
Health and family care policy has focused increasingly
on the imperative to include fathers in services and
to see them as a vital resource for mothers and children.
The author identified papers from 2000 onwards that
illuminate health visitors’ level of engagement with
fathers of young families. The review covers policy
relating to health and family services for fathers,
the nature of fathering in the 21st century, the influence
of involved fathers on their partners and babies, what
fathers say they want from family services, and future
directions for research into fathering.