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SINGAPORE: Nine out of 10 (93%) social service practitioners in Singapore feel at-risk youth and children have a better chance of overcoming their personal difficulties, when fathers, too, play an active role in the intervention process.
This was one of the preliminary findings from an ongoing survey conducted by the Dads For Life Movement, which turns two this year.
Speaking at a conference to include fathers in intervention, Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing said the sector must step up on its knowledge and ways to engage more fathers.
Major-General (NS) Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth & Sports, said: "The research is clear on this. When fathers are involved positively in their children's lives, children do better mentally, socially, emotionally and academically.
"When fathers are absent, the negative impact is just as profound - delinquency increases and psychological problems surface."
But challenges remain when including fathers in social service intervention.
Evelyn Khong, head of Family Life Education from the Fei Yue Community Services, said: "Challenge the mindsets of the fathers, to let them see that their work is not just work at the office but also work at home.
"And if your work at home is not done, there are disastrous consequences then."
An ongoing survey, involving more than 200 practitioners who have direct contact with young clients below 16 years old, recognises that fathers play a strong role in supporting rehabilitation outcomes of those at risk.
And while a variety of methods are used to engage dads, only six out of 10 practitioners communicate directly with fathers.
Major-General (NS) Chan said more can be done to equip practitioners with the necessary skills to continue outreach.
He said: "The ultimate beneficiaries are our children. If we can reach out to more fathers, who in turn become positive influencers in their children's lives, these children will have a better chance of becoming emotionally and socially resilient adults."
The survey's complete findings will be released next month.
- CNA/ck
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