<p>British Journal of Social Work Vol. 42 no. 3 (Apr 2012), p. 500-518</p> <p>Available in library.&nbsp; See journal shelves.</p> <p>Available online.</p>

Moorlandstown is a mixed urban and rural authority with about 20 per cent of its population from black and minority ethnic communities. The Fathers development project was rooted in the Moorlandstown parenting strategy. Data were collected in children's services settings in both the statutory and voluntary sectors. The authors undertook an initial review of relevant research before contacts with professionals. Key themes explored included ambivalence about the role and contribution of fathers and the extent to which perceptions of their role were influenced by female partners. Case studies illustrated progress achievable in promoting the role of fathers and improving their access to services. Staff involved were aware of the extent to which cultural diversity impacted on perceptions of fathers' roles. Young fathers were not yet perceived as significant stakeholders, with recognised claims on service providers. Male workers facilitated fathers making initial contact with services. Fathers remained minority users of services and, in higher-need families, fathers' involvement could be seen as adding complexity to service delivery. What emerged was a need for service providers to recognise that enhancing the quality of engagement with fathers is not a marginal option, but a crucial investment in the lives of children and young people.