Working With Dads: 7 Practical Steps to Engaging Fathers in Family Services

Family service programs haven’t been the most inclusive to fathers. Because of this, fathers have the perception that “they are not welcomed” at most family services. However, there has been a drastic increase in father involvement in recent years and fathers are more engaged, more connected and more involved than ever before. Social services and society as a whole are now understanding the powerful impact fathers have on their children. Family services are now working hard to support the whole family and not just part of it. This book gives those working in family services practical steps to engage fathers in their service. Engaging fathers can be challenging but the rewards for families are beyond beneficial. Author Sharmain Harris gives the reader practical steps and lessons to engage fathers who some consider “high risk.” Harris helps family services professionals uncover implicit bias while giving them tools to work with dads. The steps Harris shares were developed after years of working at a local WIC office (women, infants and children) and taking a fatherhood initiative to national recognition. Though previously perceived as only serving “Women, Infants and Children,” Harris was able to change the perception of the local WIC office to an agency that serves the entire family. His book, Working with Dads, will give social workers and other professionals the confidence and strategies needed to engage all fathers.