Welcome to the young fathers section. Here you will find information specifically aimed at young fathers. If you cannot find what you are looking for here then let us know through the 'talkback' section.
Dads are important too
Services for young fathers
Young fathers and parental responsiblity
No contact with your child? What to do?
Dads are important too
Being involved in your child’s life means a great deal to your child. Whether you are resident in child’s home or not, you can have involvement in your child’s life.
Children that have involvement with their fathers achieve a higher level of educational achievement, have higher self esteem and develop better friendships.
For all these reasons and more it is really important for you to play an active role in your child’s life.
Being involved in your child’s life can be rewarding for you as well as your child. There are all sorts of ways you can get involved.
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Playing with your child
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Helping to look after them
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Helping with feeds and nappy changing if your child is a baby
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Taking them on trips
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Reading with them
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Being involved in their education
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Doing homework with them
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Doing activities together such as arts and crafts
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Finding local parenting groups to go along to together.
There is an increasing number of dads groups being set up around the county, as well as Supporting Young Parents groups (YAP’s).
Yaps groups give young parents the chance to come together in a relaxed environment to do organised activities, chat, and even learn new skills. Click here for details of your local YAPs group.
What other services are available for young fathers?
The Young Fathers Co ordinator can put you in touch with organisations that can provide support and advice on issues relating to fatherhood. These may include:
If you have a comment, suggestion or question contact Judith on 07850 715400 or 01233 898505. Or email her at: Youngparentsteam@kent.gov.uk
Young fathers are always welcome at local Children's centres and there are usually a variety of activities to get involved with. An Increasing number of children’s centres are employing dedicated dads workers , who are happy to hear from you if you if you need help and/or advice around fatherhood, or want to know what’s on offer at your local centre or just want to have a chat.
Contact Steve Chevis, on 01795 889233
Steve is based at the Seashells Sheerness Children’s centre.
Gavin Kirrage, on 07833 232677 or email on Gavin.Kirrage@kent.gov.uk Gavin is based at the Maypole Centre Dartford.
Sam Godden, on 0797 6134465 or email on: sam.godden@Kent.gov.uk Sam is based at the Village Children’s Centre Folkstone.
For more information on how to find your local Sure Start Centre
click here.
For more ideas on activities you can do with your child please visit: www.dadcando.com
If your relationship with your child’s mother breaks down it is important that the child experiences as little disruption to their lives as possible. It is important to remember that many young fathers live apart from their children and this does not mean that you cannot be a good dad.
Family break down may mean that a new partner may become involved in your child’s life at some point. It is important to try to get along with each other and to remember that a new partner does not mean that you will be excluded from your child’s life. Everyone involved will need time to adjust to new situations, and you must try to work together to make everything as easy as possible for the child involved. For more information on introducing a new partner please visit: www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/family_matters/step_introductions.shtml
www.separateddads.co.uk/IntroducingNewPartnerToYourChildren.html
http://ukfamily.co.uk/lifestyle/family/relationships/blended-families/introducing-new-partner.html#
Young fathers and parental responsibility
Parental responsibility what is it?
Parental responsibility gives parents the legal right to make certain decisions relating to their child. Having parental responsibility means that:
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Your child’s surname cannot be changed without your consent
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Your child cannot be taken to live abroad without your consent
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Your child cannot be adopted without your consent
It also means that you will have a say in decisions such as
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Where your child should live
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Where your child should go to school
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What religion your child should follow
How do you get parental responsibility?
Mothers automatically have parental responsibility and so do married parents, however unmarried dads do not.
There are a number of ways you can acquire parental responsibility if you are an unmarried father including:
If you marry the child’s mother after the birth registration and your name was not on the original certificate you will need to ensure you re register the birth and add your name.
For more information on parental responsibility follow the following link:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/FamilyIssuesandTheLaw/index.htm?cids=Google_PPC&cre=Parents
What to do if you are not involved in your child’s life at his point?
If you currently have no contact with your child, and you feel you have run out of options and ways to re establish contact, it is important to seek the appropriate legal support and advice. Information on how to do this can be found by following this links: www.legalservices.gov.uk/ http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/en/legalaid/calculator.jsp
It is important that you remain open and receptive for the eventuality that your child tries to re establish contact. Be prepared to be the best parent you can be. This may involve having suitable housing, it may not need to have a room for your child, but it should be suitable for your child to visit. Be financially prepared, by enrolling on a college course, finishing school to the best of your ability, or undertaking relevant training, by doing this you are securing a better financial future for you and your child. For more advice on education and training please follow the links:
www.learndirect.co.uk/
www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/
www.connexions-direct.com/
For information on housing opportunities in your area please contact your local council. Further information can be obtained by calling the Supporting people team on tel: 01622 694953 or emailing: supportingpeopleteam@kent.gov.uk
Useful Contacts
New Deal for Lone Parents
For advice and support for people claiming benefits or looking for work/ training and includes job preparation. 0800 868 868 or text on 0845 606 068. www.newdeal.gov.uk
Lone Parents Helpline
Information for lone parents on benefits and legal rights. 0800 018 5026. www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Fatherhood institute
Information, advice and ideas relating to fatherhood.
www.fatherhoodinstitute.org
Families Need Fathers
Information and support for lone parents . Help with maintaining the child’s relationship with both parents. www.fnf.org.uk
