How a program for dads is making a difference to child safety

This week is National Child Protection Week. But work to protect children continues every day.

One organisation helping keep Australian children safe is Stronger Families. Funded by us, it delivers the Caring Dads program(Opens in a new tab/window). The program enables men to take responsibility for their actions – fostering healthier relationships and safer environments for their children.

Sometimes, the lever for a father to change starts with his children.

For Noël Robertson and Cath Mansfield at Stronger Families, they see this lever pulled every time a new group of fathers start their 17-week Caring Dad program. 

‘The program combines accountability with a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach,’ Noël said.

Noël is the current Clinician Manager for Caring Dads and a registered psychologist. She joined Stronger Families in 2021, bringing with her 13 years of experience in men’s behaviour change programs. She now leads the clinical delivery of the program, helping fathers build accountability while supporting meaningful behaviour change. 

Caring Dads aims to improve the safety and wellbeing of children. The program works with fathers who have used violence, abuse or neglect. Through weekly group sessions, they get support to examine the impact of their behaviour on their children and take responsibility for change.

‘The program helps fathers see their behaviour through their children’s eyes. When fathers are supported to understand the impact of family violence on their children, they often become more open, because they do not want their children to experience fear or harm,’ Cath explained. 

Cath is a program manager with over 18-years’ experience working to prevent family violence. Cath respects participants and the life experience they bring. She helps them consider their children’s experience and change their way of thinking when it comes to using violence. 

At Stronger Families, personal responsibility and concern for children drives lasting change.

‘Safety must remain the priority, and any rebuilding must happen on the child’s timeline,’ Cath explained.

While the work can be challenging, both Cath and Noël have seen the positive impact that accountability and behaviour change can have on children and families. Over 60% of fathers complete the course and they are offered ongoing support and connected services afterwards. Caring Dads makes a significant and real impact in the lives of fathers, their families and communities. 

To hear one dad’s experience in the program, watch this video from Stronger Families(Opens in a new tab/window). 

This National Child Protection Week, the Caring Dads program is a reminder that every child deserves to grow up safe, connected and supported within their community and culture.

Creating that future requires a shared commitment from families, communities and services to put children’s needs first and turn conversations into action.

More information

National Child Protection Week is from 6 to 12 September. It is a national campaign to prevent child abuse and neglect – before it happens.

Visit the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) website to learn more about National Child Protection Week(Opens in a new tab/window). To learn how everyone in a child's community has a role to play in keeping children safe and well, read tips for playing your part(Opens in a new tab/window).

We fund NAPCAN. It is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of Australia's children and young people.

Help is available 

Child protection can bring up challenges for everyone. If you need help, there are support services available. 

Free help is available:

• Call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit the Men’s Referral Service online(Opens in a new tab/window) if you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• Call Lifeline on 131 114 any time. You can also use the Lifeline crisis support online chat(Opens in a new tab/window) at any time.
• 1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, you can:
  • Call: 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
  • Text: 0458 737 732
  • Online chat: visit the 1800RESPECT(Opens in a new tab/window) website
  • Video call: visit the 1800RESPECT(Opens in a new tab/window) website.