Karl Royle

Mahmoud Emira

Michael Jopling

Before as a father I lacked confidence. Now I feel excited about the future!

It has given the young fathers I have seen in my city more confidence and belief, self-worth and self-esteem, which is hugely valuable. It doesnt guarantee they will go on to be excellent fathers but it improves the chances of bringing out the very best in young dads.

Before it was all negatives if I do that someone will think this, whereas now its all positives. Ive been to the House of Commons, spoken to all sorts of people. I would never have done that if YDTV hadnt helped me to open myself up.

Contents of this report

Executive Summary Introduction Challenges facing Young Dads
Supporting Young Dads to overcome challenges 04 07 10

The capability approach and the evaluative framework

Agency and gender identity From capabilities to functionings Methodology

12

Impact of YDTV
Challenges faced by young dads Challenges: childrens services Most significant changes associated with YDTV Broad impact of YDTV Development of YDs capabilities and functionings Engagement with YDTV activities and outcomes

14

Conclusions Recommendations References Appendices

Appendix 1: Young Dad survey Appendix 2: Stakeholders survey Appendix 3: Interview schedule with young dads Appendix 4: Interview schedule with stakeholders Appendix 5: Challenges, capabilities & functionings

19 21 23 24

Executive Summary

This summary details the impact of the Young Dads TV Project (YDTV) interventions on Young Dads (YDs) and stakeholder organisations. YDTV is a project initiated by Media for Development to improve young fathers visibility and recognition and help address the complex web of challenges and barriers which all too often result in young fathers being distant figures in their childrens lives. The project began in 2010 and concludes in 2013. This evaluation ran between September 2012 and May 2013. The capability approach, derived from development studies, underpinned the evaluation design in order to examine the project from a social justice perspective.

From capabilities to functionings

The initial impetus of YDTV was to address the ability of YDs to take an active role in parenting their child/children in a context in which mothers are regarded as the primary carer. YDTVs intervention strategy explicitly focused on developing both individual and collective agency among YDs and by so doing converting capabilities into valued functionings such as: social connectivity; friendship; sense of purpose and achievement; social belonging; accessing parenting services; feeling more visible; establishing an identity as an individual and a father; making a contribution to the community; and increased confidence.

Challenges faced by young dads

1 The media
YDs have negative views about how they are portrayed in the media, although one young dad thinks we are not portrayed at all really! YDs associated YDTV with more positive media interest, feeling YDTV was the only good source of media showing the positives of YDs.

Most significant changes for YDs associated with YDTV

Improved parenting skills
By being part of the YDTV project, YDs were more likely to feel they were effective and engaged parents. I have no qualifications at all but I am an expert in something and thats being a good dad to my children.

2. Unfairness of the benefits system

YDs felt unsupported by the benefits system and that parental rights were disproportionately granted to mothers. The social housing system also did not support young dads.

Increased Confidence

3. Finance

This manifested itself in the ability to talk to people about parenting, helping other dads by setting up local networks and fulfilling their academic aspirations.

YDs felt that they did not receive the financial support they needed for their children, something they had no control over, and that their performance as a father was still judged by how much they could provide.

Improved access to provision Attitudinal changes

Stakeholders reported YDTV provided insights into how to improve or enhance their services for YDs. Stakeholders also reported growth in confidence in the YDs they worked with and changes in attitudes towards being a parent and understanding mothers needs.

4. Perceived negative public perceptions and criticism of YDs

This came from the YDs themselves: If I am pushing the buggy down the road and not working they automatically think oh, hes scrounging off benefits, whereas actually I cant work because Ive full custody of my children so it isnt that I dont want to work.

Increased capability and functioning

5. Systemic issues

Stakeholders noted that statutory services will generally prioritise the needs of the mum and the opportunities and support we give to young fathers to be involved are practically non-existent while the barriers are HUGE.

6. Childrens services

All the YDs involved in the evaluation agreed that men are invisible to childrens services providers and most of them feel that services did not recognise or cater for fathers needs, however the YDs in the survey want to engage with support services and in some cases had actively done so. Reciprocity was key. Men also needed to be more active in engaging with service providers themselves.

YDTV enabled YDs to: find information about parenting services; pursue personal goals; take part in groups concerned with policy issues; know their legal rights before the law; and promote YDs issues to service providers. Nearly all YDs had developed and maintained self-respect. The most effective activity was facilitating the development of support groups and networks. Its made me more confident and less worried because now I know there are other dads going through the same problems; it has helped me come out of my shell; you go in proud and knowing who you areyou know you are important.

YDTV interventions
1. YoungDads.tv website Find help, watch films, make friends
The website focused on helping YDs to find local support via the digital Dads Map and break down social stigma. The site has over 10,000 users. YDTV presence in social media channels is growing: Twitter: over 1,300 followers; Facebook: over 300 followers; Mailing list: over 200 subscribers.

Recommendations
The YDTV interventions were instrumental in converting the existing capabilities within YDs into functionings that they valued. The inherent capability of YDs to do things for themselves should underpin any intervention. Interventions should focus on converting capabilities into functionings that the participants themselves value. Too often the functions that are valued are prescribed by the intervening agency, such as employability skills for example. Focusing on developing inherent fatherhood capabilities and identity can bring economic and community benefits to both individuals and society. Interventions that target YDs and other underrepresented groups should focus on activities that enable participants to develop personal and collective agency. The very act of doing it themselves with support will make them selfsufficient. Engaging YDs in policy formation and access to services will enable them to take positive steps to change their own situation in a supportive network to increase resilience. Interventions should use conversion activities such as networking to realise the inherent capabilities of participants. Conversion factors such as networks, increased agency, sense of purpose, belonging and identity should derive their value from the communities they serve and be sustained by developing self-esteem and resilience within the participants that allow networks to grow and develop beyond their initial purpose. Statutory services should focus on activities that convert capabilities into functionings rather than focus on skills delivery to YDs in a deficit model.

2. Council of Young Dads The authentic voice of young dads in the UK

The council was made up of YDs involved in the first phase of the project. This group became involved in policy around YDs and contributed to the governments young fathers steering group and the subsequent recommendations made to statutory services (in the Are we nearly there yet, dad? report, published December, 2012. Available at http://www.barnardos.org.uk/are_we_nearly_there_ yet_dad.pdf). The council attended All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fatherhood in June 2013.

3. Local Groups Experts by experience

Council members established their own informal groups for young dads in their areas. YDTV helped to establish or support nine local groups. YDTV worked with over 100 young dads from 11 Local Authorities in order to find out about the problems they face. These sessions produced over sixty films hosted on the YDTV YouTube Channel, which has received over 35,000 views winning the Nominet Internet Award 2011 for Empowering Young People and Citizens and took runner-up in an international award for supporting the UNs Millennium Development Goals.

A lot of my past was criminal my friends as soon as I become a dad I had to get rid of them, stop hanging around with them so that was part of the isolation for me, I had no one to talk to but now I know so many dads in my area that its all positive.

introduction

This report explores the impact of the Young Dads TV Project (YDTV) interventions on the Young Dads (YDs) who have engaged with it. YDTV is a project initiated by Media for Development to improve young fathers visibility and recognition and help address the complex web of challenges and barriers which all too often result in young fathers being distant figures in their childrens lives. The project was initiated in 2010 and concludes in 2013. This evaluation was carried out between September 2012 and May 2013. In its original business case, Media for Development claimed:

YDTV was set up to use digital media to engage young fathers and address these issues:

Without adequate support and guidance from their partner, their family and government services, these vulnerable young fathers are likely to find themselves side-lined in the lives of their children. In turn, this feeds the myth that young fathers are feckless and irresponsible, helping to create a vicious circle in which young fathers are often marginalised due to a negative stereotype, the consequences of which serve to feed this stereotype.

Using digital media (short films and video games) social media (online blogs, Twitter) and mobile technology (mobile phones), MFD will work primarily with fathers below the age of 25 to create a lively, practical, online magazine style hub of positive, relevant and humorous activities that support and champion young dads in their roles as fathers.
The research evaluated the impact of the Young Dads TV (YDTV) interventions on both the capabilities and functionings of young dads (YDs) and stakeholder organisations. YDTV created three interventions (or products) to connect YDs with parent support and peer support.

1. YoungDads.tv website Find help, watch films, make friends

The website focused on helping dads to find local support via the digital Dads Map and breaking down social stigma. The website has over 10,000 users and YDTV has a growing presence in social media channels: Twitter: over 1,300 followers; Facebook: over 300 followers Mailing list: over 200 subscribers.

2. Council of Young Dads The authentic voice of young dads in the UK.
The council was made up of YDs involved in the first phase of the project and was developed with the YDs involved in YDTVs discovery phase (2012), initially to co-design the project. This project steering group quickly became involved in policy around young fathers. They contributed to the governments young fathers steering group and the

subsequent recommendations made to statutory services (in the Are we nearly there yet, dad? report, published December, 2012). The Council was also invited to the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fatherhood in June 2013, in which David Lammy MP (Chair of the APPG) agreed to a parliamentary debate on the support needs of YDs, based on the recommendations of the Are we nearly there yet, dad? report. David spoke to two of the Council of Young Dads at length at the end of the meeting. He subsequently published this article on 5th July 2013: http://centrallobby. politicshome.com/latestnews/article-detail/newsarticle/ david-lammy-mp-low-expectations-of-young-dads/#.UdZ_ vlQ4XOA.twitter.

Case Study 1: Theo

3. Local Groups Experts by experience.

Council members established their own, informal groups for YDs in the area. YDTV helped to establish or support nine local groups to offer YDs an informal space in which to spend time with other dads, provide opportunities to undertake activities with their children, and signpost them to local support services. The importance of regarding YDs themselves as agents for change was key to this approach.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zen2EIMmiEc.

Case Study 2: Joe

Other YDTV activities

YDTV worked with over 100 YDs from 11 Local Authorities in order to find out about the problems they face. These sessions produced over sixty films hosted on the YDTV Youtube Channel, which has received over 35,000 views. This activity won the Nominet Internet Award 2011 for Empowering Young People and Citizens and was runnerup in an international award for supporting the UNs Millennium Development Goals. Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnd6Tmvzh0Q.

The evaluation
The evaluation of the impact of the YDTV project involved: a literature review; two small online surveys (for stakeholders and YDs) and follow-up phone interviews; observation of a council of YDs meeting; analysis of the video content of films made by YDs in the early stages of the project, and three video case studies. The capability approach, derived from development studies, underpinned the evaluation design because it is particularly appropriate for evaluating the project from a social justice perspective.

Case Study 3: Freddy

VIDEO CASE STUDIEs

To complement this research three video case studies were commissioned that show YDs involved with the YDTV project speaking about their experiences. Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5AzaS-qJvg.

Challenges facing Young Dads

10

Previous research has indicated that men are generally reluctant to engage with support services. For example, Johal et al., (2012) identified five key factors:

1. Help-seeking: men are more reluctant to seek help from others than women 2. Fear of stigmatisation 3. Lack of male visibility and male role models in service provision 4. Difficulty of reaching men 5. Reluctance to examine social problems in terms of gender, focus tends to be on cultural background, age and economic situation instead
While a wide range of services are in place in many areas to help teenage mothers, services not only tend to ignore YDs but are overwhelmingly averse to them (Fatherhood Institute, 2010). Quinton et al (2002) found that YDs were mostly ignored, marginalized or made uncomfortable by services, despite their desire for information, advice and inclusion. Bunting and McAuley (2004) stated that YDs had little or no contact with health professionals such as midwives, health visitors or social workers and Bunting (2005) reported health visitors describing YDs parenting capacity as poor and relating reductions in couple/ paternal contact to fathers negative characteristics. However, she also found that health visitors actually had very little information about the YDs and were ill prepared to offer them the support they needed. Pollock et al (2005) reported that black YDs were repeatedly excluded from a London hospital maternity service, although they were more supported by the local teenage pregnancy team. Another study found that YDs from minority ethnic groups in England felt that service providers targeted support at mothers (Higginbottom et al., 2006). YDs needs often differ significantly from those of young mothers (Lero, 2008). According to Johan et al, 2012: 5), the challenge is that men, including YDs, are increasingly facing crises and yet are more resistant to seeking help. Yet in spite of this, men are rarely considered to be a target group and all too often they are not immediately thought of when developing services and projects to tackle needs. Burgess (2008: 48) suggests that YDs also face challenges such as family rejection, barriers to contact with child and mother, a lack of ways to contribute financially, and an inability to envision future achievements. YDs are less likely to have experience of

caring for or being with young children. They generally lack preparation for becoming a parent, both cognitively and psychologically, and their knowledge of child development tends to be insufficient and idealistic (De Lissovoy, 1973). Furthermore, they tend to believe they are not good enough as parents or even unwelcome (Knitzer & Bernard, 1997). Many YDs struggle to control their tempers (Bolton, 1987) and use negative approaches to parenting (Miller, 1994) and there is some evidence that they may be more likely than older fathers to be violent towards their partners or children (Guterman & Lee, 2005). Although YDs rarely receive support from professionals or wider society, early fatherhood can initiate growing maturity and promote personal development and social responsibility (Kiselika, 2008). This suggests that initiatives such as YDTV are likely to improve their functioning as parents. Some research has shown that YDs show greater involvement than their non-father peers in socially productive activities, such as volunteering in their communities (Kowaleski-Jones & Mott, 1998). Berrington et al (2007) found they were twice as likely to make payments for their children than peers who became fathers later. This suggests that it is important to examine how YDs have been supported to overcome the challenges identified and become engaged parents.

Supporting Young Dads to overcome challenges

According to the Fatherhood Institute (2010), YDs tend to fall into three categories: chaotic, semi-chaotic and sorted, all of whom need support, but different strategies are required to engage effectively with them. Johal et al., (2012) argue that it is necessary to gain a full understanding of the challenges YDs face to identify effective ways to overcome them and facilitate their engagement as parents. Alongside using mens social connections and networks, partners/ wives/ families, peer support and male friendships and more formal support mechanisms, Johal et al., (2012) made a number of recommendations for engaging men more effectively in social projects: specifically target men and consult with the target group go where men are and incentivise their engagement build partnerships with gatekeepers and networks tailor the service and be flexible build relationships and provide effective support encourage beneficiaries to become advocates and volunteers. The extent to which YDTV met these recommendations will be addressed in the impact section of this report, after the framework for the impact evaluation has been outlined.

11

The capability approach and the evaluative framework

12

The capability approach was used to assess the impact of YDTV on YDs and stakeholders. Originating in the work of Amataya Sen (1992, 1999), the capability approach is derived from development studies and is a way of assessing the extent to which human beings are able to achieve the sort of life that they value. The approach has been used in a range of disciplines and contexts, including education (Unterhalter, 2009) and poverty (Qizilbash and Clark, 2005), although this is the first application of it to YDs. According to Sen (1992:40), the major constituents of the capability approach are functionings and capabilities: functionings are the beings and doing of a person, whereas a persons capability is the various combinations of functionings that a person can achieve. Capability is the range of possibilities open to individuals that can subsequently be converted into valued functionings, depending on the context systems and processes that extend or constrain their capabilities. In turn, the generation of valued functionings is related to an individuals agency (Walker, 2005) and gender identity.

Agency and gender identity

Agency is the capacity to act purposefully to advance ones chosen goals and values as an element of a persons effective power (Sen, 2010). In particular, this is related to finding a voice, speaking out on socially taboo issues and breaking silences. Agency is often seen as important in relation to building resilience. Seaman et al (2006:19) found that: many of the findings concerning resilience among young people as they move into adulthood are relevant to parents. Barber (1992) explored a range of evidence that parenting interventions erode parents selfconfidence and self-efficacy as they become increasingly reliant on professional advice. Therefore, evaluations such as this need to consider how interventions may diminish or inhibit as well as expand/develop capabilities (Unterhalter 2003). Fukuda-Parr (2003) notes how a gender perspective is important in highlighting the role of collective agency in promoting development. Featherstone (2010) has written on fathering from a feminist perspective. She argues that programmes aimed at engaging fathers need to be underpinned by a gender equality agenda, arguing that writing mothers out of these programmes is neither feasible nor desirable.

Although services are available for young mothers and young fathers, it is the absence of personal, social and environmental conversion factors that may inhibit YDs achievement of valued functionings. YDTVs interventions appeared to be directly related to enhancing conversion factors through developing YDs individual agency and visibility to existing services, thus enhancing their capability to be effective fathers. According to Lewis (2012), key capabilities and functionings include: social and cultural factors such as social connectivity and friendship; having a sense of purpose and achievement; being knowledgeable; and having confidence, self-worth, and a sense of control. This evaluation drew on capabilities and functionings (including parenting) defined in Fairness and Freedom, the final report of the Equalities Review (2007). Several capabilities outlined are applicable to the evaluation of YDTV, which examines the extent to which YDTV interventions have been able to overcome the challenges for YDs identified above and how far the interventions have engendered individual and collective agency in order to convert capabilities into valued functionings such as: agency functions, social connectivity, friendship, sense of purpose and achievement, social belonging; accessing parenting services; feeling more visible; establishing an identity as an individual and a father; making a contribution to the community and increased confidence. These valued functionings were assessed in the online questionnaires and follow-up interviews which were undertaken with YDs and stakeholders from the organisations involved in YDTV project (See appendix 1-4 in this report).

Methodology
A mixed methods approach (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998) was used in the evaluation. YDTV provided access to the participants in the research, all of whom gave informed consent (Christians, 2000) for their participation. The total sample involved in the research was 30: 21 YDs and nine stakeholders. This small sample size necessarily limits the claims that can be made from the research in terms of generalisabilty. To achieve a breadth of coverage (Kelley et al., 2003) two questionnaire surveys were used, after being piloted. 15 YDs, aged between 18 and 29 yearsold, and nine stakeholders completed the surveys, which combined Likert scale and open-ended questions. Most of the YDs were parents to very young children - six had babies aged 1 and seven had babies aged 1-2. Only one father had a child aged over 3. All but three of the YDs had one child, the others had two. Seven lived in the South East of England; the others lived in Greater London (4), the East Midlands (3) or the South West. The majority were stay at home dads or unemployed, although over a third were in part-time employment/education. Two-thirds of YDs were either very engaged/engaged in the project. The others were either neutral (2) or hardly engaged (1). More than half the stakeholders directly supported men or worked with YDs. 13

From capabilities to functionings

It is arguable that all men are capable of becoming functioning fathers, where that functioning is defined by being able to nurture the personal and social growth of a child. The initial impetus of YDTV was to address the ability of YDs to take an active role in parenting their child/ children by developing their individual and collective agency in a context in which mothers are regarded as the primary carer. YDTVs intervention strategy has explicitly focused on developing both individual and collective agency among YDs.

Impact of YDTV

14

The discussion of impact is based on the capabilities approach and is based on three structuring taxonomies outlined in Appendix 5: Challenges which prevent YDs converting capabilities into desired functionings, based on Johal et al (2012) Related capabilities (Equalities Review, 2007) Valued functionings, such as accessing parenting services and increased knowledge of childcare. The discussion begins by looking at challenges and issues, before focusing on significant changes and the impact of YDTV on YDs and stakeholders.

Challenges faced by young dads

The first challenge identifieded by YDs was their portrayal in the media. YDs have negative views about how they are portrayed in the media, although one YD thinks we are not portrayed at all really! Two-thirds of the YDs thought they were not portrayed positively by the media, with one feeling that Dads arent given enough credit for the good things they do. However, two YDs associated YDTV with more positive media interest, feeling YDTV was the only good source of media showing the positives of YDs. Stakeholders concurred. While one stated: There is very little media representing dads stories, a second was clear that the work weve done as an organisation or in partnership with companies such as YDTV have helped to produce and encourage positive media headlines and features. The perceived unfairness of the benefits system represented a second major challenge. Almost two-thirds of YDs felt unsupported by the benefits system, while the remainder thought they were supported to some extent. While most YDs felt that parental rights were disproportionately granted to mothers, one YD related this to broader social conditions: this is a much wider issue that extends beyond the benefits system but also in society, the media as a whole. Changes to social housing policy was an area of particular concern for one stakeholder: changes to the system will make it harder for non-resident YDs to nurture their relationship with their child if they cannot afford to maintain a property with a bedroom for them to stay in. Asked about the main problems they faced, YDs identified several issues. The biggest concern was economic: not being able to access the same support/benefits that young mothers receive, and I would say money if you are not working; to be able to provide for your children; other issues like equality and the benefit welfare system reflecting previous research (Burgess, 2008). After this came perceived negative public perceptions and criticism: Criticism from general people, like if am pushing the buggy down the road and not working they automatically think oh, hes scrounging off benefits whereas actually I cant work because Ive full custody of my children so it isnt that I dont want to work and restricted access to their children.

However, only one YD referred to lack of professional support in this context. Stakeholders also emphasised negative perceptions of YDs: Negative attitude about men/lack of positive gender discourse about men and Professionals tend to assume that YDs arent good enough parents. Reflecting Johal et al (2012), this was associated with stigma and not being regarded as equal partners in role and responsible for their childs wellbeing. YDs felt both that they did not receive the financial support they needed for their children, something they had no control over, and that their performance as a father was still judged by how much they could provide. In fact, income seemed to be a more important criterion for judging their engagement as a father than time spent with their children. They related this to inequalities in the system of support. Opinion was split on the issue of the stigmatisation (reflecting Johal et al, 2012) of YDs as bad parents. One stakeholder suggested that YDs are distrusted across the political board:

The traditionalist that says mans role is protector and provider and if hes not doing that hes immoral and feckless and a progressive view [is] that fathers are to be assumed unsafe (immoral, feckless and dangerous) until proven otherwise.
Two stakeholders also identified lack of visibility and recognition as a key challenge and a further two echoed the YDs concerns about lack of support from both statutory services and through the law. They felt such lack of support was caused by lack of information and contact 15

support they get from the system, YDs cant support their children. However, some YDs have a more balanced view realising the problems for young parents in general: yeah, obviously mums go through troubles as well and have their sides of the stories, I am not against them but I am just saying dads dont get as much rights as mums.. they should both be treated fairly; Its hard for any young parent whether you are male or female because of money and experience but Id say its harder for men; From a capabilities perspective, this enduring lack of contact with support is likely to perpetuate gender inequality and restrict YDs agency and capabilities in other areas of social engagement. As the preceding discussion indicates, all respondent stakeholders agreed that childrens services focus mainly on mothers and that all too often YDs remain invisible to them. According to one stakeholder, mens reluctance is a barrier CAUSED by the services and the way they operate. One YD noted Well, there isnt really any services as such, is there? Thats the problem; you cant find them anywhere; for example, going to a children centre and trying to enquire if there were any services available for young dads and I just got completely blank face because its not something they come across. Stakeholders felt that childcare professionals had a responsibility to reflect on their approach when dealing with YDs to ensure that their needs are addressed more fully. I think professionals are not trained to talk to young fathers a lot of the service providers dont train their staff for young fathers. There is some evidence from the evaluation that the peer support networks associated with YDTV were supporting YDs to do this.

with professional and organisations; systemic inequality in terms of the legal, financial, social and cultural support they are given; and poor professional training: not providing any modules whilst in education to midwives, social workers, health visitors that help to train them around engaging young fathers in their service. Their responses also highlighted gender and equity issues: statutory services will generally prioritise the needs of the mum and the opportunities and support we give to young fathers to be involved are practically non-existent while the barriers are HUGE. Essentially, it was felt that there was a lack of opportunities for men to do it themselves.

Challenges: childrens services

All the YDs involved in the evaluation agreed that men are invisible to childrens services providers and most of them feel that services did not recognise or cater for fathers needs, again reflecting previous research (e.g. Quinton et al., 2002). This suggests that YDs want to engage with support services and in some cases had actively done so. Three-quarters of YDs reported that services find it difficult to reach them and thus tend to focus on mothers, who are more likely to be accessible to services, which in turn creates a vicious cycle. Half the YDs were unsure whether childcare professionals treated them in the same way that they treat mothers, which is likely also to reflect their lack of engagement with support services. Much of the attention is given to mums because they mostly focus on mums. Also, because the services are orientated towards the mums, the message these YDs get is that its all for the mother and its like she is the main parent. This makes it hard for the YDs to interact with service providers. As a result of the insufficient 16

Most significant changes associated with YDTV

In order to pinpoint the key impacts associated with their involvement in YDTV, YDs were asked to identify the most significant change that engaging with YDTV had made to their lives. Six YDs identified improving their parenting skills, for example being fully engaged with my daughter and the main one is being a brilliant dad to be honest; to be there from the day my child was born until this day, its changed my life; I would say to be a better father; I have no qualifications at all but I am an expert in something and thats being a good dad to my children. As a result, YDs were more likely to feel they were effective and engaged parents. The second most significant change, cited by three fathers, was feeling more confident, in areas such as talking to people about parenting for example: before I joined YDTV I wasnt able to talk on the phone, like if someone rang me and I didnt know who they were I would put it down or just stumble a lot. After this came supporting other YDs through helping to run a centre or network, for example Im more willing to help people because I went through it I want to help other people; enhanced my ability to liaise with people; networking as

well and become more of a people person and engage with people in that environment cited by four dads, and fulfilling academic aspirations in that one YD was looking to study social work. These outcomes are broadly consistent with the other outcomes of the survey and previous research. Although comparison is necessarily limited by the small sample on which the evaluation is based, stakeholders produced a contrasting perspective. The most significant change cited by stakeholders was improved provision, which enabled YDs to have better access to services and developed their identity as fathers. Networking was also a key impact, with peer support helping to make services more inclusive in my area; setting up and promoting the Facebook page; and creating an opportunity for my clients to meet with another organisation to raise their status as fathers. Three of the six stakeholders who completed this question also referred to gaining better knowledge about other potential service users and how they should be approached: There are harder to help groups of men and boys who deserve intervention; men and boys will engage more with services when you use gender appropriate approaches. They also reported seeing attitudinal changes in the YDs towards being a parent. For example, they are now more sensitive to the lives of mums and what disadvantages there are for mothers as well as dads and see and understand the needs of mum; their skills around fatherhood grew, and they have become more confident:

There is a general sense that there are other professional agencies out there trying to help them which makes them feel more valued and I think it makes my clients feel less isolated.
Improved provision was linked to YDTV through its partnerships with organisations aimed at developing new services and extending the reach of current services. YDTV has functioned as a catalyst and exemplar for change in how to work with and engage YDs. YDTVs main role was to consult with stakeholders and kick-start new initiatives: supporting space for the Council of YDs to meet, light consultation of family service provisions and promote new ideas in general. In summary, therefore, while YDs focused at the individual level on the development of their parenting skills, confidence and their ability to support other YDs through peer support networks as the most significant changes associated with YDTV, stakeholders were rather more concerned with macro level change associated with broader improvements in provision for YDs.

It has given the young fathers I have seen in my city more confidence and belief, self-worth and self-esteem, which is hugely valuable. It doesnt guarantee they will go on to be excellent fathers but it improves the chances of bringing out the very best in young dads.
Similar positive change in relation to their attitude towards accessing services for YDs is also highlighted:

Broad impact of YDTV

Impact is examined in relation to the development of YDs capabilities and functionings and then their engagement with YDTV activities and outcomes.

Development of YDs capabilities and functionings

YDs were asked to identify areas in which YDTV had had the most definite impact. Areas highlighted included developing the capabilities of most YDs to network and form relationships and groups; develop confidence; participate in local decision-making and make a contribution to their community; communicate with service providers. In contrast to the most significant change data, parenting skills and developing a moral outlook were less clearly identified as impacts, although most YDs thought YDTV had enhanced their parenting skills to some extent. In terms of functionings, YDTV enabled the majority of YDs to find information about parenting services; pursue personal goals; take part in groups concerned with politics; know their legal rights before the law; and promote YDs issues to service providers. Nearly all YDs had developed and maintained self-respect. It is 17

likely that the emphasis on reducing YDs isolation through developing support networks was associated with this, as well as with improvements in individual and collective agency, resilience and self-esteem (reflecting Seaman et al., 2006 and others). Its made me more confident and less worried because now I know there are other dads going through the same problems; it has helped me come out of my shell.

You go in proud and knowing who you are you know you are important and driven and no one else can change that.
Given the same areas to assess, stakeholders were more likely to emphasise impacts on YDs internal development their social lives, decision-making, self-expression and sense of identity than their knowledge and skills relating to participation in society. Most also agreed, however, that YDs had developed wider social support networks and new friendships; gained selfconfidence and self-respect; and generally increased their visibility as a result of being involved in YDTV. hard if you have people assisting you and helping you in the right way; yeah, so they know they are not the only dads out there who go through the same things and there are others they can talk to about their problems and get help though it. Also important was increasing their knowledge of services available to them as young fathers.

Engagement with YDTV activities and outcomes

YDs responses to the range of activities promoted by YDTV reflects the evolving nature of YDTV as it moved from video as a hook to engage YDs increasingly towards assisting the development of networks and support communities. For YDs, YDTV is less about enhancing their filmmaking skills and more about networking and support. Asked to identify the most important impact of their involvement in YDTV, their responses showed that they valued the video-making initiative as a means of reaching YDs and drawing them into a growing network (C2-F4). This sense of the importance of connecting with other YDs in similar positions was a key and recurring theme throughout the evaluation. You meet other young dads; meeting new people and fathers. The aim of networking is to use your experiences to teach others. and empower them as well. Another aim of networking is to raise public and YDs awareness of the issues facing YDs: its not just young mums who are parents, its young fathers as well; getting the positive message out there if you want to do good and if there are people who have a hard time, make them realise its not

Its impacted on me due to the services and information that are available out there its had a positive impact on me.
We have the Young Dads map on the website to find different activities. This change in their attitude has enabled some of them to pass the information onto other people. The act of video production itself had relatively little value to YDs. Instead, they regarded it as a means to an end, as a way of extending their skills, experience and support community. In this respect, YDTV may go some way towards reversing some of the stereotypes perpetuated in the media of YDs reluctance to engage in the lives of their children and society more generally.

18

Conclusions

19

The young fathers and stakeholders involved in the evaluation expressed broadly similar views about challenges and problems YDs face. YDs regarded themselves as being either invisible in the media or negatively portrayed. They received little support from the benefits systems, which they saw as unfair and gender-biased. They found it difficult to get help from professionals and gain access to their children, often due to travel and housing issues. YDs and stakeholders also both felt that YDs were relatively invisible to childrens services, which partly as a result did not address their needs. While they perceived childrens services to be unresponsive, YDs were keen to engage with them and, crucially, understood the importance of being supported to develop the skills to engage with childrens services.

with the improvement of provision, which in turn improved YDs access to services, although peer support networks were recognised as having played an important role in this. Although we are limited in the conclusions we can draw from such a small sample, the evidence we have suggests that YDTV has succeeded in converting YDs capabilities in key areas such as forming support networks and contributing to their community into valued functionings such as promoting YDs issues and pursuing personal goals.

Video production was an important catalyst, but one which quickly became secondary to key impacts such as YDs development as fathers and members of their local community and the creation of their own support communities, in which they felt much more capable of challenging the stereotypes associated with YDs and advocating change. A key aspect of this was This was one of the key areas in which the resilience that resulted from YDTV had had an impact on young increased confidence, agency fathers. YDs associated YDTV with and self-esteem arising out of the individual changes such developing engagement with YDTV activities. their parenting skills and support from peer support networks, which in turn gave them the confidence to engage with support services. Stakeholders saw benefits from the reverse perspective, associating YDTV
20

Recommendations

21

Engaging YDs in policy formation and access to services will enable them to take positive steps to change their own situation in a supportive network to increase The inherent capability of YDs to resilience. do things for themselves should Interventions should use underpin any intervention. conversion activities such as networking to realise Interventions should focus the inherent capabilities of on converting capabilities participants. into functionings that the participants themselves value. Too often the functions that are Conversion factors such as networks, increased agency, valued are prescribed by the sense of purpose, belonging intervening agency, such as employability skills for example. and identity should derive their Focusing on developing inherent value from the communities they serve and be sustained fatherhood capabilities and by developing self-esteem and identity can bring economic and community benefits to both resilience within the participants that allow networks to grow individuals and society. and develop beyond their initial purpose. Interventions that target YDs and other underrepresented Statutory services should groups should focus on focus on activities that convert activities that enable participants to develop personal capabilities into functionings and collective agency. The very rather than focus on skills act of doing it themselves with delivery to YDs in a deficit model. support will make them selfsufficient. The YDTV interventions were instrumental in converting the existing capabilities within YDs into functionings that they valued.
22

References
1. Barber, J. (1992). Evaluating parent education groups: Effects on sense of competence and social isolation. Research on Social Work practice. 2(1): 28-38. 2. Berrington, A. Stevenson, J. Ingham, R. with Borgoni, R. Cobos Hernandez, M. et al (2007). Teenage pregnancy research programme research briefing No 7: consequences of teenage parenthood: pathways which minimise the long term negative impacts of teenage childbearing. London. Department for Education and Skills. 3. Bolton, F. (1987). The father in the adolescent pregnancy at risk for child maltreatment: helpmate or hindrance? Journal of Family Violence. 2(1): 67-80. 4. Bunting, L. (2005). Teenage parenting: professional and personal perspectives. Dissertation. Belfast: School of social work. Queens University. 5. Bunting, L. and McAuley, C. (2004). Teenage pregnancy and parenthood: the role of fathers. Child and Family Social Work. 9(3): 295-303. 6. Burgess, A. (2008). The costs and benefits of active fatherhood: evidence and insights to inform the development of policy and practice. Fathers Direct. Available at: http://www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/2008/ fatherhood-institute-main-research-summary-the-costsand-benefits-of-active-fatherhood/ 7. Christians, C. (2000), Ethics and politics in qualitative research, in Denzin N and Lincoln Y (eds.), Handbook of Qualitative Research, 2nd ed, Sage, London, pp. 133155. 8. De Lissovoy, V. (1973). Child-care by adolescent parents. Children Today. 4(1): 22-25. 9. Equalities Review. (2007), Fairness and freedom, the final report of the Equalities Review, available at: http:// webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100807034701/ http:/archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/equalitiesreview/ (accessed 8 May 2013). 10. Fatherhood Institute. (2010). Fatherhood Institute research summary: young fathers. Available at: http:// www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/2010/fatherhood-instituteresearch-summary-young-fathers/ 11. Featherstone, B. (2010). Writing fathers in but mothers out!!! Critical Social Policy. 30(2): 208-224. 12. Fukuda-Parr, S. (2003). The human development paradigm: operationalizing Sens ideas on capabilities. Feminist Economics, 9(2-3): 301-317. 13. Guterman, N. and Lee, Y. (2005). The role of fathers in risk for physical child abuse and neglect: possible pathways and unanswered questions. Child Maltreatment. 10(2): 136-149. 14. Higginbottom, G. Marsh, P. Mathers, N. Kirkham, M. and Owen, J. (2006). An exploration of the teenage parenting experiences of black and minority ethnic young people in England. Department for Education and Skills. 15. Johal, A. Shelupanov, A. and Norman, W. (2012). Invisible men: engaging more men in social projects, the Young Foundation Thinking Action Change. Available at: http://youngfoundation.org/publications/invisible-menengaging-more-men-in-social-projects/ 16. Kelley, K. Clark, B. Brown, V. et al. (2003), Good

practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research, available at: http://intqhc.oxfordjournals.org/ content/15/3/261.full (accessed 3 May 2013). 17. Kiselika, M. (2008). When boys become parents. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press. 18. Knitzer, J. & Bernard, S. (1997). Map and track: state initiatives to encourage responsible fatherhood. New York: National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University. 19. Kowaleski-Jones, L. & Mott, F. (1998). Sex, contraception and childbearing among high-risk youth. Family Planning Perspectives. 30(4): 163-169. 20. Lero, D. (2008). Policies affecting young fathers. In the FIRA inventory of policies and policy areas influencing father involvement. Canada: Father Involvement Research Alliance. Available at: http://www.fira.ca/ article.php?id=91 21. Lewis, L. (2012). The capabilities approach, adult community learning and mental health, Community Development Journal special issue on mental health. 47(4): 522-37. 22. Miller, D. (1994). Influences of parental involvement of African American adolescent fathers. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal. 11(5): 363-378. 23. Oosterlaken, I. (2009). Design for development: a capability approach. Design Issues. 25(4): 91-102. 24. Pollock, S. Trew, R. and Jones, K. (2005). Young black fathers and maternity services. London: Fathers Direct. 25. Qizilbash, M. and Clark, D. (2005). The capability approach and fuzzy poverty measures: an application to the South African context. Social Indicators Research. 74(1): 103-139. 26. Quinton, D. Pollock, S. and Anderson, P. (2002). The transition to fatherhood in young men: influences on commitment. Summary of key findings. Bristol: School for Policy Studies, Bristol University. 27. Seaman, P. Turner, K. Hill, M. Stafford, A. and Walker, M. (2006). Parenting and resilience in disadvantaged communities. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/0096. pdf. 28. Sen, A. (1992). Inequality re-examined. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 29. Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 30. Sen, A. (2010). The idea of justice. London: Penguin Books. 31. Tashakkori, A. and Teddlie, C. (1998), Mixed Methodology: Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, Sage, London. 32. Unterhalter, E. (2003). The capabilities approach and gendered education. Theory and Research in Education. 1(1): 7-22. 33. Unterhalter, E. (2009). What is equity in education? Reflections from the capability approach. Studies in Philosophy and Education. 28(5): 415-424. 34. Walker, M. (2005). Amartya Sens capability approach and education. Educational Action Research. 13(1): 103110. 35. Walker, M. (2010) Critical capability pedagogies and university education. Educational Philosophy and Theory. 42(8): 898-917

23

APPENDICES APpendix 1: : Young Dads survey

YDTV (Young Dad TV) young dads' survey

1.Section 1: Introduction

TheCentreforDevelopmentandAppliedResearchinEducation(CeDARE),whichislocatedintheSchoolfor EducationFuturesattheUniversityofWolverhampton(UoW),hasbeencommissionedtolookatyoungdads' experienceswithserviceaccessandtheircapabilities/engagementinsuchservices.Wewouldliketoinviteyoutoa) completethissurvey,whichshouldtakeabout1520minutesandb)takepartinashortfollowuptelephoneinterview. Allresponsesandquotationsfromthesurveyandtelephoneinterviewsconductedinconnectionwiththeprojectwill beanonymised.Researchparticipantswillbeidentifiedbypseudonyms,unlesstheyspecificallyasktobe acknowledgedbyname.Wereservetherighttousedatacollectedduringtheprojectinresearchreports,academic papersandconferencepresentationswherethesameruleswithregardtoanonymitywillapply.Ifyouhaveany queriesabouttheprojectoryourparticipation,pleasecontacttheProjectAdministrator,JulieRichmondLunn,on: J.Richmond@wlv.ac.uk 01902323006 Thankyou!

2.Section 2: About you and your child(ren)

How old are you?
j 1517 k l m n

j 1820 k l m n

j 2123 k l m n

j 2426 k l m n

j 2729 k l m n

j 30+ k l m n

How old were you when you had your first child?
j 1517 k l m n

j 1820 k l m n

j 2123 k l m n

j 2426 k l m n

j 2729 k l m n

j 30+ k l m n

How old is he/she now?

j Underayear k l m n

j 12 k l m n

j 34 k l m n

j 5+ k l m n

How many children do you have?

j 1 k l m n

j 2 k l m n

j 3 k l m n

j 4 k l m n

j 5+ k l m n

How old are they?

c Underayear d e f g

c 12 d e f g

c 34 d e f g

c 5+ d e f g

In which part of the UK do you live?

j EastMidlands k l m n

j SouthWestEngland k l m n j WestMidlands k l m n

j EastofEngland k l m n j GreaterLondon k l m n

j YorkshireandtheHumber k l m n j NorthernIreland k l m n j Scotland k l m n j Wales k l m n

j NorthEastEngland k l m n

j NorthWestEngland k l m n

j SouthEastEngland k l m n

24

Page 1

YDTV (Young Dad TV) young dads' survey

What is your postcode? If you don't know please move on to the next question.
Postal Code:

What do you do at present?

c Fulltimeemployment d e f g

c Parttimeemployment d e f g

c Fulltimeeducation/training d e f g

c Parttimeeducation/training d e f g

c Stayathomedad/unemployed d e f g c Other d e f g

Other(pleasespecify)

How would you rate your engagement in the YDTV project (1=hardly engaged, 5=very engaged)?
Hardlyengaged=1 Veryengaged=5

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

3.Section 3. Your opinions on life as a young dad

How far do you think that young dads are portrayed positively by the media?
j Definitely k l m n
Comments

j Tosomeextent k l m n

j Unsure k l m n

j Alittle k l m n

j Notatall k l m n

5 6

As a young dad, how far do you think you are supported by the benefit system?
j Definitely k l m n

j Tosomeextent k l m n

j Unsure k l m n

j Alittle k l m n

j Notatall k l m n

Pleeaseaddanyothercommentshere

What are the main problems that you face as a young dad
5 6

Page 2
25

YDTV (Young Dad TV) young dads' survey

How far do you agree with the following statements?
Stronglyagree Dadsthatleavetheir childrenareconsidered "bad"nomatterwhatthe circumstancesare. Ifeelthatmyperformance asafatherisjudgedonly onhowmuchincomeI canprovide. Ifeelnegatively stigmatisedasayoung dad. Other(pleasespecify) Agree Unsure Disagree Stronglydisagree

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

5 6

4.Section 4: The challenges of being a dad

How far do you agree with the following statements?

Stronglyagree Menarelesslikelytoask foradviceonparenting fromothersthanwomen Menarereluctantto engagewithchildcare services Ithinkthatmenarenot visibletochildcareservice providers Childcareservicesdonot recogniseorcaterfordads' needs Childrenservicesfindit difficulttoreachyoung dads Childcareservicestendto focusmainlyonmothers ratherthanparents Childcareprofessionals treatmeinthesameway thattheytreatmothers Other(pleasespecify) Agree Unsure Disagree Stronglydisagree

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

5 6

5.Section 5: About impact of and solutions YDTV project provided

Page 3
26

YDTV (Young Dad TV) young dads' survey

To what extent has your engagement in the YDTV project improved your capabilities in the following SIX areas: One: develop knowledge and skills to participate in society as a dad
Definitely Developmyskillsin parenting Increaseknowledgeabout childcare Findinformationabout parentingservicesusing technology Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

Two: enjoy individual, family and social life

Definitely Developyourmoral outlookandotherbeliefs Helpedmefinda direction,pursuegoals andobjectivesformyself Developandmaintain selfrespect Developandmaintain selfesteemandself confidence Formnewrelationships andfriendships Becomemorecaringfor familyandothers Developawidersocial supportnetwork Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

Three: participate in decisionmaking, have a voice and influence

Definitely Participateandmakea contributionwithinthe localcommunity Takepartindecision makingprocesseslocally Takepartingroups concernedwithpublicor politicallife Participateinthe formulationof governmentalpolicies nationally Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

Page 4
27

YDTV (Young Dad TV) young dads' survey

Four: expressing yourself
Definitely Communicateinavariety ofwaystoincreaseyour visibilityasadadwith serviceproviders Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

Five: knowing you will be protected and treated fairly by the law
Definitely Knowyourrightsandknow wheretogetsupport Knowwhenyouarebeing treatedwithequalityand whenyouarenotbefore thelaw Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

Six: establish a personal valued identity as a dad

Definitely Promotetherecognition ofdads'issuesofvisibility toparentingservices Knowhowtoacttobe recognizedandactasa dad. Formgroupsor associationstopromote dads'identity Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

6.Section 6: About engagement with young dad's TV activities and its impact o...
What activities have you taken part in with young dads TV. Tick all that apply.
Yes Videomaking Councilofyoungdads Oneoffevents Groupwork Other Other(pleasespecify) No

c d e f g c d e f g c d e f g c d e f g c d e f g

c d e f g c d e f g c d e f g c d e f g c d e f g

5 6

Page 5
28

YDTV (Young Dad TV) young dads' survey

Rank in order of importance in taking part in YDTV (1= Little importance, 2=medium importance 3=high importance)
6 6 6
MeetotheryoungDads Learnhowtomakeafilm/accessequipmenttomakeafilm AsawayoffindingoutaboutservicesavailabletomeasaDadinthelocalarea

Describe technological experience / confidence before taking part (i.e. using digital video, editing video, uploading video to the internet) by ticking ONE of the following options
j Noexperience/confidence k l m n

j Someexperience/confidenceeitherhaveuseddigitalvideobeforeorfeltconfidentaboutdoingso k l m n j Lotsofexperience/confidencehaveuseddigitalvideoanduploadedtotheinternetbefore k l m n

Describe the ideas you already had about being a young Dad that you wanted to share in your video by ticking ONE of the following options:
j Noideas/neverthoughtaboutit k l m n

j Someideasbutnotsurehowtoputtheminavideo k l m n j Alreadyhadaclearideaaboutmakingavideo k l m n

The outcomes of taking part in YDTV rank these in order of value (1= Little value, 6=Extreme value)
6 6 6 6 6 6
Increaseinfilmmaking/technicalskills Makingavideogavemeavoicetotellastoryorshareideas Increaseinconfidence IncreaseinknowledgeofservicesavailabletomeasayoungDad MeetingotheryoungDads MyvideowillhelpotheryoungDads

If a young Dad asked you about the project and why they should take part, you would say.?
5 6

Page 6
29

YDTV (Young Dad TV) young dads' survey

Please describe a situation that has happened since your involvement in the YDTV project that you think you handled differently because you were involved in the project or describe something you have done since YDTV that you wouldnt have done before.
5 6

What is the most significant change that you have made in your life a result of your involvement in the YDTV project?
5 6

7.Section 7: End of survey

Thank you for taking part in this survey. If you would like to participate in a short telephone interview around your engagement in YDTV project, please tick the box below
j Yes,I'dliketobeinterviewed k l m n j No,thankyou k l m n

8.Section 8.

*Please leave your contact details below

Name: Email Address: Phone Number:

better) and suggest 3 different convenient times (am/pm) and dates which we can choose from to interview you
5 6

*Finally, please indicate your availability in February/March 2013 (the sooner the

9.Section 9. Thank you for completing this survey

Page 7
30

APpendix 2: Stakeholders survey

YDTV (Young Dad TV) stakeholders' survey

Section 1: Introduction

TheCentreforDevelopmentandAppliedResearchinEducation(CeDARE),whichislocatedintheSchoolfor EducationFuturesattheUniversityofWolverhampton(UoW),hasbeencommissionedbyYoungDad'sTV,tolookat youngdads'experienceswithserviceaccess,theircapabilitytoengagementinsuchservicesandaboutyour involvementwithYDTV.Wewouldliketoinviteyoutoa)completethissurvey,whichshouldtakeabout10minutes andb)takepartinashortfollowupgroupdiscussion. Allresponsesandquotationsfromthesurveyandtelephoneinterviewsconductedinconnectionwiththeprojectwill beanonymised.Researchparticipantswillbeidentifiedbypseudonyms,unlesstheyspecificallyasktobe acknowledgedbyname.Wereservetherighttousedatacollectedduringtheprojectinresearchreports,academic papersandconferencepresentationswherethesameruleswithregardtoanonymitywillapply.Ifyouhaveany queriesabouttheprojectoryourparticipation,pleasecontacttheProjectAdministrator,JulieRichmondLunn,on: J.Richmond@wlv.ac.uk 01902323006 Thankyou!

Section 2: About your organisation

What is the main function of your organisation?

j Childcareservices(LocalAuthority) k l m n j Workingdirectlytosupportmen k l m n

j Workingdirectlywithyoungdads k l m n j Familyplanning k l m n

j Localauthorityoutreachservices k l m n j Housingservices k l m n

j Familyrelatedservices k l m n j Children'scentre k l m n j Legalservices k l m n

Other(pleasespecify)

Is your organisation
j Publiclyfunded k l m n j Acharity k l m n

j Aprivatecompany k l m n
Other(pleasespecify)

Page 1

31

YDTV (Young Dad TV) stakeholders' survey

Your current engagement with Young Dad TV is.........?
j Strategic(e.g.Planning/Consultancy/funder) k l m n

j Operational(e.g.Delivery/Supportive/partnership) k l m n j Bothstrategicandoperational k l m n j Other k l m n

Other(pleasespecify)

How would you describe your MAIN level of engagement in YDTV project?
j Local k l m n

j Regional k l m n j National k l m n

Which of the following activities have you taken part in with YDTV? Tick all that apply.
c FunderofYDTVactivities d e f g c JointProjects d e f g

c ReceivedconsultancyfromYDTV d e f g c UsedwebsitetoconnectwithYDs d e f g

c UsedYDTVtodevelopnewservicesforYDs d e f g

c UsedYDTVtoextendthereachofexistingservices d e f g c TakenpartinYDTVevents d e f g

c RunjointeventswithYDTV d e f g

c WorkedinpartnershipwithYDTV d e f g
Other(pleasespecify)

5 6

Can you briefly describe your main engagement with YDTV?

5

According to your engagement with YDTV. How would you rate your support for young dads in the YDTV project (1=no/little support, 2=some support, 3=a lot of support)?
No/littlesupport=1 Somesupport=2 Alotofsupport=3

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

Page 2
32

YDTV (Young Dad TV) stakeholders' survey

Section 3: The impact of YDTV interventions
In your experience, how far do you think young dads' engagement in the YDTV project has improved their capabilities in the following areas: ONE: develop knowledge and skills to participate in society as a dad
Notapplicableto Definitely Developskillsinparenting Increaseknowledgeabout childcare Findinformationabout parentingservicesusing technology Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall mylevelof engagement

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

TWO: enjoy individual, family and social life

Notapplicableto Definitely Developyoungdads' moraloutlookandother beliefs Helpyoungdadsfinda direction,pursuegoalsand objectivesforthemselves Developandmaintainself respect Developandmaintainself esteemandself confidence Formnewrelationships andfriendships Becomemorecaringfor familyandothers Developawidersocial supportnetwork Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall mylevelof engagement

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n j k l m n

Page 3
33

YDTV (Young Dad TV) stakeholders' survey

THREE: participate in decisionmaking, have a voice and influence
Notapplicableto Definitely Participateandmakea contributionwithinthe localcommunity Takepartindecision makingprocesseslocally Takepartingroups concernedwithpublicor politicallife Participateinthe formulationof governmentalpolicies nationally Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall mylevelof engagement

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

Section 3: The Impact of YDTV interventions (Cont.)

In your experience, how far do you think young dads' engagement in the YDTV project has improved their capabilities in the following areas: FOUR: expressing themselves
Notapplicableto Definitely Communicateinavariety ofwaystoincreasetheir visibilityasyoungdads withserviceproviders Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall mylevelof engagement

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

FIVE: knowing they will be protected and treated fairly by the law
Notapplicableto Definitely Knowtheirrightsandknow wheretogetsupport Knowwhentheyarebeing treatedwithequalityand whentheyarenotbefore thelaw Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall mylevelof engagement

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

j k l m n j k l m n

Page 4
34

YDTV (Young Dad TV) stakeholders' survey

SIX: establish a personal valued identity as a dad
Notapplicableto Definitely Promotetherecognitionof dads'issuesofvisibilityto parentingservices Knowhowtoacttobe recognizedandactasa dad. Formgroupsor associationstopromote dads'identity Tosomeextent Unsure Alittle Notatall mylevelof engagement

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

What is the most significant change that engaging with YDTV has made to your organisation?
5 6

Section 4. Your opinions on the life of young dads

How far do you think that young dads are portrayed positively by the media?
j Definitely k l m n
Comments

j Tosomeextent k l m n

j Unsure k l m n

j Alittle k l m n

j Notatall k l m n

5 6

As a stakeholder, how far do you think young dads are supported by the benefit system?
j Definitely k l m n

j Tosomeextent k l m n

j Unsure k l m n

j Alittle k l m n

j Notatall k l m n

Pleaseaddanyothercommentshere

Page 5
35

YDTV (Young Dad TV) stakeholders' survey

How far do you agree with the following statements?
Stronglyagree Dadswholeavetheir childrenareconsidered "bad"nomatterwhatthe circumstancesare. Performanceasafatheris judgedonlyonhowmuch incomehecanprovide. Ifeelyoungdadsare negativelystigmatised. Other(pleasespecify) Agree Unsure Disagree Stronglydisagree

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

5 6

Section 5: The challenges faced by young dads

How far do you agree with the following statements?
Stronglyagree Menarelesslikelytoask foradviceonparenting fromothersthanwomen Menarereluctantto engagewithchildcare services Ithinkthatmenarenot visibletochildcareservice providers Childcareservicesdonot fullyrecogniseorcaterfor dads'needs Childrenservicesfindit difficulttoreachyoung dads Childcareservicestendto focusmainlyonmothers ratherthanparents Childcareprofessionals treatyoungdadsinthe samewaythattheytreat mothers Other(pleasespecify) Agree Unsure

Disagree

Stronglydisagree

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

j k l m n

5 6

What do you think are the MAIN problem(s) that young dad's face?
5 6

36

Page 6

YDTV (Young Dad TV) stakeholders' survey

Section 6: End of survey

discussion around your role in YDTV project and or a phone interview, please tick the box below
j YesIamhappytotakepartinafollowupphoneinterview k l m n j Yes,I'dliketoparticipateinagroupdiscussion k l m n j No,thankyou k l m n

*Thank you for taking part in this survey. If you would like to participate in a group

Section 7. Your contact details

*Please leave your contact details below

Name: Email Address: Phone Number:

Section 8. Thank you for completing this survey

Page 7
37

Appendix 3: Interview schedule with young dads

Section 1: Introduction The aim of this interview is to look at your experience as a young dad with accessing services and how your engagement with YDTV has developed your capability in this area. All quotations from this interview will be anonymised. Section 2: What are your opinions on life and challenges you face as a young dad? 1. How do you think young dads are portrayed in the media? (e.g. positively, negatively?) 2. What are the main problems that you face as a young dad? (e.g. access, benefit parity) 3. What are the reasons of these problems? 4. What are the challenges you face when accessing services for young dads? 5. What are the reasons of these challenges? 6 .Do you think young mothers face similar challenges? Section 3: How does YDTV help with solutions to these issues? 1. What support did you receive from your engagement in YDTV project? 2. How has your engagement in this project impacted on your attitude towards accessing services for young dads? 3. What is the most significant change that you have made in your life as a result of your engagement in the YDTV project? 4. How would you describe your engagement in the YDTV project? 5. Would you recommend YDTV project to other young dads? Why/why not? Section 3A prompts: How far has YDTV project impacted on you? (functions) Functioning 1. Increased confidence 2. Access parenting services 3. Attain visibility as a parent 4. Communicate with other young dads to increase visibility among service providers 5. Establish your identity as a father 6. Increase knowledge about childcare 7. Make a contribution within the community 8. Form groups or associations (e.g. to support other young dads) Do you have questions/comments? Thank you! No/little impact 1 2 3 4 5 High

38

Appendix 4: Interview schedule with stakeholders

Section 1: Introduction The aim of this interview is to look at your experience as a stakeholder in supporting young dads and how your engagement with YDTV has affected your work in this area. All quotations from this interview will be anonymised. Section 2: Your engagement with YDTV 1. Describe briefly your main engagement with YDTV 2. What is the most significant change that engaging with YDTV has made to your organisation? 3. Would you recommend the YDTV project to other groups working with young dads? Why/why not? Section 3: What are your opinions on life and challenges faced by young dads? 4. What are the main problem(s) faced by young dads? (e.g. access, benefit parity) 5. What are the challenges that young dads face when accessing childcare services? 6. Do you think young mothers face similar challenges? Section 4: How does YDTV help with solutions to these issues? 7. What support did young dads receive from your engagement in YDTV project? 8. How has your engagement in this project impacted on young dads attitude towards being a father? 9. How has your engagement in this project impacted on young dads attitude towards accessing childcare services? 10. Are there any other benefits that you have recognised in young dads that you have worked with? For example increased confidence or self-esteem? 11. How could young dads be better supported when accessing childcare services? Do you have questions/comments? Thank you!

39

Appendix 5: challenges, capabilities & functionings

Johal et al., (2012) identified five key challenges: Help-seeking: men are more reluctant to seek help from others than women Fear of stigmatisation Lack of male visibility and male role models in service provision Difficulty of reaching men Reluctance to examine social problems in terms of gender, focus tends to be on cultural background, age and economic situation instead. Key capabilities* are: Social and cultural factors such as social connectivity and friendship; Having a sense of purpose and achievement; Being knowledgeable; and Having confidence, self-worth, sense of control and optimism, and, in wider terms, a personally and socially valued identity. Thus the basis of the research evaluation will examine a) the extent to which YD interventions have been able to overcome the 5 challenges outlined above and also b) how far the interventions have engendered individual and collective agency in order to convert capabilities into valued functionings such as: agency functions, social connectivity, friendship, sense of purpose and achievement, and belonging and acting for a social purpose/group. Ideally, this should lead to conversion to valued functionings in this context such as: access parenting services, feel more visible, establish a personal identity as a father, establishing a socially valued identity, promote the issue of gender recognition amongst services in parenting, making a contribution within the community, Increased confidence and control of pathway to becoming a father being a useful dad. * The evaluative framework is based on capabilities and functionings defined in Fairness and Freedom the final report of the Equalities Review (2007) derived from the work of Burchardt and Vizard (2007).

40

About this evaluation

This evaluation explores the impact of the Young Dads TV Project (YDTV) interventions on the Young Dads who have engaged with it. YDTV is a project initiated by Media for Development to improve young fathers visibility and recognition and help address the complex web of challenges and barriers which all too often result in young fathers being distant figures in their childrens lives. The project was initiated in 2010 and concludes in 2013. This evaluation was carried out between September 2012 and May 2013. This impact evaluation was undertaken by the Centre for Developmental & Applied Research in Education (CeDARE) at the University of Wolverhampton. Full details can be found at: www.wlv.ac.uk/ydtv

Video Case studies

Three video case studies have been created as part of this evaluation. You can see them at www.youtube.com/uowcedare.

Centre for Developmental & Applied Research in Education

University of Wolverhampton, Gorway Road, Walsall, WS1 3BD Tel: 01902 32 3242 Email: cedare@wlv.ac.uk Web: www.wlv.ac.uk/cedare

Media for Development

16 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NT Tel: 0207 033 2170 Email: scottc@mediafordevelopment.org.uk Web: www.mediafordevelopment.org.uk

Soundhouse Media

Tel: 0114 266 6808 Email: info@soundhouse-media.co.uk Web: www.soundhouse-media.co.uk

Thank you to The Monument Trust for funding and enabling Young Dads TV. Find out more at www.sfct.org.uk/the-monument-trust
41