WHO WE ARE
The Fathers’ Development Foundation (FDF) is a UK coalition bringing together organisations and individuals with an interest in supporting, promoting and protecting fatherhood and fathers, especially those who are socially excluded. The FDF aims to put fatherhood on the map of policy makers, uniting voices in support of public service and employment law reform, together with the development of sector-wide joined-up thinking, robust research and good practice.
We believe that children thrive best with the support of both parents, regardless of where a parent resides. As an organisation committed to children’s wellbeing, development and welfare, the primary focus of the FDF is on how to improve support to fathers across the country to play a greater, and positive, role in their children’s lives.
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WHY FDF IS NEEDED?
Focus on the needs of fathers ebbs and flows according to political interest, policy priorities, media reports and public opinion. Consequently, there has been no sustained approach to recognising the key role of fathers and improving the support to meet their diverse needs. A range of Government initiatives have a direct impact on fathers – for example Troubled Families, CAN Parent classes, tax free childcare vouchers or the ‘bedroom tax’- but there has been no joined-up policy or long-term framework to embed the needs of fathers in all relevant policies.