ABSTRACT
This chapter contains some practical examples of services or resources that are available for fathers. Many children want continuing contact with fathers or father figures, even in circumstances where those men have harmed them or where there was domestic violence. The children's wish for contact may sometimes conflict with their mother's need to be protected from further domestic violence. A variety of methods for changing the behaviour of men who are violent to their partners have been developed over the years. The Home Office analysed the effectiveness of parenting courses in young offender institutions. The attitudes of the young men towards enforcing parental discipline showed most susceptibility to change. There is debate and discussion around whether having male workers in such settings as nurseries and family centres encourages the greater involvement of fathers both generally in the care of their children and specifically in programmes designed to meet their particular needs.
