There are those of us that have known about the importance of fathers for years, but now the government seems to be recognising that as well.

At the Family and Parenting Institute's Parent Child 2008 -Getting it right for Families, conference, the Rt Hon Beverley Hughes highlighted it.

As the Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, she announced the new ‘Think Fathers' campaign.  This campaign has been put together jointly with the Fatherhood Institute following new DCSF- commissioned research published this month stating that in some local areas, national fatherhood polices need to be driven forward more effectively.

We know the importance of consulting fathers and do our best to involve them.  Andrew Jeffery, father of two and Brighton and Hove Parents Forum's chair says "Brighton and Hove is actually a lot better than many other authorities where fathers are concerned, but there is still a bias towards mothers where children are concerned. How many ‘parent and child' rooms are there in our city centre, compared to places that still have ‘mother and child' rooms for example? I think that information is out there, but it is not in the places where fathers would traditionally think to look. I would love to see more fathers involved with the work of the Parents Forum, and am always particularly delighted to see dads at our events. I hope that an initiative like this will have a real impact in supporting fathers in their difficult but vital role."

If you would like to read the DCFS report click here.

To find out more about how the Fatherhood Institute will be involved click here.