New guidelines for including fathers in early years services are being launched by Children in Wales on 23 October 2008. The guidelines were commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government in response to the growing recognition of the important role that fathers play in the lives of their children.   Vulnerable children from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to gain even more from a strong father-child relationship than children from better off families, and suffer more when this is lacking.  The guidelines consider a number of the issues affecting the involvement of fathers in services, and provide a range of case studies showing what has worked well.  They are being launched at the 'Getting it Right for Families?' Conference which will take place on 23 October in Builth Wells

The guidelines Including Fathers in Early Years Services: Positive Practice for Professionals can be obtained from Children in Wales, Tel: 029 2034 2434, or downloaded here  or for more information contact Tony Ivens, Fatherhood Development Officer, Children in Wales,  E-mail: tony.ivens@childreninwales.org.uk