Child welfare • Responsible fatherhood
Fathers have a right to love, too. Involving fathers and their active contribution in child welfare
A father is more than a provider of income. He can be a fundamental source of love, guidance, protection and strength to face life.
Discussions of child development and welfare rightly give considerable attention to mothers. Recognising one parent’s importance should not hide the other’s contribution. A father who is safely, responsibly and lovingly involved can strongly support a child’s emotional, social and educational development.
In a society such as Sri Lanka that values family and culture, fathers should not be confined to the role of financial provider. Wherever child safety permits, child welfare policies, assessments and services should include fathers’ voices, responsibilities and active involvement.
“A father can be a fundamental relationship in a child’s life, offering love, guidance, protection and belonging.”
A father’s contribution to child development
Early involvement, shared daily care, play, conversation and learning support help build an environment for the child’s overall development.
Emotional security
A father’s love, acceptance and consistent support can help children develop confidence and resilience in the face of challenges.
Cognitive and educational development
Reading together, answering questions, playing and helping with schoolwork can develop curiosity, language and problem-solving skills.
Social skills and responsibility
A father who speaks respectfully, resolves problems peacefully and shares household duties provides a practical example of responsible conduct.
Safety and belonging
Knowing a child’s daily life, friends, school situation and feelings can help a father recognise risks early and provide appropriate support.
Fathers within Sri Lanka’s child welfare system
Probation and child care services, the National Child Protection Authority, courts, health services and educational institutions all contribute to child welfare in Sri Lanka. Every process should centre the child’s safety and best interests, rather than competition between parents.
| Service area | How fathers can be included |
|---|---|
| Social assessments | Where there are no legal or safety barriers, obtain each parent’s views separately and record both parents’ care history, abilities, responsibilities and relationship with the child. |
| Court processes | Custody and contact decisions should consider the child’s age, safety, relationships, care history and the facts of the individual case, rather than gender alone. |
| Child protection | Where safe, involve the father as a responsible partner in protection planning. Where risks involving a father or another person are alleged, safety assessment and the child’s protection take priority. |
| Education and health services | Consistent with the law and child safety, include fathers in school meetings and communication about health information, counselling and care plans. |
Key barriers to involving fathers
Suggestions for actively involving fathers
Assess both parents
Where safe and lawful, obtain information from both parents in social assessments, care planning and service decisions.
Father-inclusive services
Offer evening or weekend meetings, telephone or online counselling and notifications to both parents.
Professional training and reducing bias
Train professionals to focus on children’s welfare and assess evidence and each family’s circumstances without gender-based assumptions.
Promote responsible fatherhood
Provide practical fatherhood programmes on children’s health, education, emotional needs, digital safety and positive discipline.
Support safe co-parenting
Where appropriate and safe, offer mediation and counselling for conflict management, clear communication and child-centred decisions.
Accountability and proper records
Clearly document how the father was involved, his views, opportunities offered and safety concerns identified in assessments and service records.
Conclusion
Fathers are important, responsible partners in child welfare. Giving them appropriate information, opportunities, support and accountability can help build a safer, loving and stable environment for children.
This approach does not diminish mothers’ importance. It strengthens the love, responsibility and participation of both parents who can contribute safely. Every institution supporting families should hear fathers’ voices and assess each family’s circumstances fairly.
Hear fathers’ voices. Strengthen their responsibility. Keep children’s welfare at the centre.
Note: This article is for public awareness. Seek appropriate legal or professional advice separately for an individual case or child protection situation.
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