Browning House has 57 years’ experience of working with parents of all abilities. During this time we have come to recognise the important part a father plays in his child’s life. Whether they are living in the family home or are living apart from their children, evidence has shown that they have a positive affect on their child’s physical, emotional and social development.

Browning House offers assessments to single fathers as the primary carer, single mothers and couples where the man may or may not be the biological father of the child. Where a father is not living with their child this Unit can offer supervised contact assessments and sessional work to visiting fathers dependent on the level of need and risk that they may pose.

Whether the male figure in a child’s life is his biological father, a step- father, a grandfather, an uncle, older brother or family friend, they have an active role to play in a child’s development. A positive male role model in a child’s life can increase self- esteem and lay the foundations for fulfilling relationships.

Our aim is for each father to achieve for their children the five outcomes detailed in Every Child Matters: being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and economic well-being. This is achieved through a variety of models and tools used and developed by this Unit. Browning House has a multidisciplinary staff team including male members of staff who are experienced in working with fathers. A father’s group, male counsellor, Emotions Group and social activities specifically for the fathers on the Unit are arranged to facilitate their parenting.

We have found that fathers respond differently to assessment, often depending on their age and personal experience and they often bring preconceived ideas with them regarding the role they have to play in their child’s life, be it bread winner, disciplinarian or the dad who just plays. We tailor each assessment to individual need and work with them to change behaviours.