On Complex Needs

A secure attachment with the father is an important protective factor against disturbance in children whose mother suffers from a mental illness including Post Natal Depression.
(Hall, 2004)

Children at risk of psychosocial failure to thrive, maternal drug abuse, and poverty, talk and learn better when their fathers or father-figures are satisfied with parenting, provide financial support and engage in nurturant play.
(Black et al, 1995)

Antisocial personality disorder in fathers is associated with problems of conduct and aggression in children and adolescents, and the more their children see of their fathers, the worse the impact.
(Jaffee et al, 2003)

In 24 highly vulnerable families, only one father was unable to reflect usefully on his identity as a man, a father and a partner. 
(Ferguson & Hogan, 2004)

Case study evidence suggests that engaging with problematic men’s  fatherhood (e.g. helping fathers towards a realization of the negative impact their behaviour is having on their children; or initially limiting contact with a child while providing support for the father to tackle seriously negative behaviours) can stimulate positive change.
(Sheehan, 2006; Hall, 2004; McLean et al, 2004)