Strengthening Fathers

The Strengthening Fathers Programme (SFP) aims to support male caregivers and fathers to strengthen their relationships with their children and families. This will be achieved by providing a bespoke, holistic and trauma-informed approach to instil positive and healthy co-parenting skills.

The SFP has been developed in response to a gap in support provision for fathers. Emphasis is on supporting:

• young fathers, aged 16-25
• own household fathers, meaning those disconnected from their children
• fathers with complex needs of their own, including those with experience of the criminal justice or prison system.

Wider aims of the pilot include safeguarding the children in their care, helping fathers deal with their own intergenerational or adverse childhood experience-related trauma, and preventing recidivism, as research shows that a lack of family support and difficulty building and maintaining relationships can lead to reoffending.

Two consortiums working in separate locations (North and South London) will deliver the pilot across 18 months. The programme will offer a combination of bespoke wraparound support and workshops, and support groups for caregivers and fathers.

The VRU have commissioned Alma Economics to lead a process and impact evaluation of the SFP pilot.

The evaluation employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the impact, process, and cost-effectiveness of the Strengthening Fathers Pilot (SFP).

A final report is expected in October 2025.