Generative Fathering

“This is a very good guide for professionals working with fathers across many health and welfare settings.  It walks new pathways that encourage men to be included in family interventions and provides many useful examples of how it can be done.  This approach may seem obvious but past research has shown that men are frequently ignored.  The book begins with a review of recent theory and research into working with men and then progresses to a guide as to how to proceed.  It is clearly written and easy for professionals to understand; it gives case examples illustrating all types of problems, professional interventions and outcomes.  Such material shows exactly what the authors mean and demonstrates the value of authors with extensive professional experience in working with men, especially in their parenting role”.  Professor Emeritus Thea Brown, Department of Social Work, Monash University

“The social awareness that fathers play a crucial role in children’s lives is often discussed in the negative. That is, how fathers are too absent, how they may harm their families through violence or dominance, or discussions about power and social inequity. It is true that as a society we have much to address, however we also need to look at how we meaningfully engage men through their own positive intent and capacity, and to understand more fully the barriers to greater contributions. This excellent book is strengths based and offers service providers an opportunity to critique their own work with fathers and the generative possibilities that men contribute to their children’s lives. This book is timely and offers an important and unique perspective on men as fathers in contemporary society”. Elisabeth Shaw, CEO, Relationships Australia NSW

“A richly informative book which brilliantly makes the case for including fathers in family-work and offers a wealth of tips and strategies for doing so.  The chapters on engaging with separated fathers, culturally diverse fathers, fathers of children with special needs and fathers who use violence are especially remarkable. We’ll definitely be drawing on this book in our work.”  Adrienne Burgess, Joint CEO, the Fatherhood Institute.  www.fatherhoodinstitute.org

“This book is really good and easy to read. I think that the issues of fathers are often overlooked by professionals as we have traditionally been mostly women seeing mothers. The book also helps men/fathers to have clarity around their role in a changing society. Men need other men to tell them it is normal to want to look after their children. Men and women need to support men to participate in the nurturing of their children. This also leads to better support for women (as you have outlined) and further moves our society towards gender equality. It’s great to have a bloke’s perspective that is aligned with other gender equality texts”. Janelle Clifton, Occupational Therapist, Western Australia.