Legal News
DWP pilots men-only parenting classes (5 January 2015)
Date: 05/01/2015
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is piloting parenting classes specifically for fathers in six areas of the UK where there is a high incidence of single parent families.
BBC News reports that the men-only classes are intended to help men become better fathers. Fathers-to-be would attend the antenatal classes near the time of their baby’s birth.
The DWP says the research has shown that 16-year-olds in the UK are more likely to own a smartphone than to live with their own fathers – and that men are less likely to acknowledge relationship issues.
The UK also has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the EU.
MPs say that growing up without a father can have a negative influence on society – and Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has said that the bond between a father and his child “can make a real difference” to the child's life.
“The problem of absent fathers is far too common, with households left worse off and – more importantly – children left without the positive involvement of two parents in their life.
“That is why this government's welfare reforms ensure that vital action is taken to change this.
“For example, by introducing relationship support for fathers and families as a whole. If we are serious about promoting a strong society, then we also have to be serious about seeking to support and strengthen families.”
The pilot men-only parenting classes will run in Cheshire, Merseyside, northeast England, eastern England, the Midlands and London.
Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid family law solicitors able to advise on all family matters and childcare under both UK law and Islamic law, including:
• Ancillary payments
• Care proceedings
• Child abuse
• Child contact and residence
• Co-habiting agreements
• Co-parenting agreements
• Court of Protection
• Divorce
• Domestic violence
• International marriage
• International parent-child abduction
• Judicial separation
• Pre-nuptial agreements
• Wills and trusts.
For expert legal advice on family law and childcare matters, call Duncan Lewis family solicitors on 020 7923 4020.