Fathers left out of child protection

Fathers who can offer vital care and
information are too often left out when professionals make child
protection decisions, said the NSPCC and Fathers Direct.

The claim was made at a conference co-hosted
by the groups in London this week. The NSPCC said its helpline
received two calls each day from fathers and male carers concerned
that their children were being abused or neglected. Yet according
to a government-funded study, Working With Fathers, only a
third of non-resident fathers are included in any child protection
consultation.

NSPCC chief executive Mary Marsh said:
“Professionals need to value fathers as part of the solution.”