Dads’ Space 1-2-1
There is more to Dads' Space than meets the eye. Not only do we provide no-nonsense parenting advice and product reviews, we also have our partner service: Dads' Space 1-2-1 - the Virtual Contact Centre, which is designed specifically for fathers who are separated from their children. The site encourages Dads to maintain and enhance their relationship with their children; enabling children to stay in contact with their Dad, even in difficult circumstances. As with the main Dads' Space site, 1-2-1 has also been backed through the DCSF.
Why Dads' Space 1-2-1?
Often Dads find themselves isolated as parents and many report finding
their relationship with their children, difficult to maintain after
separation. Support services have not always addressed the individual
parenting needs, and specifically targeted fathers groups have not
always triggered success. Dads' Space 1-2-1 aims to bridge the gap of
support services and address the problems parental separation creates
for many families, Dads in particular.
When child contact issues are raised due to acrimonious separation and
allegations of abuse, enabling safe, responsible father involvement has
often proved problematic. Dads' Space 1-2-1 has been developed through
wanting to find a way that:
A. Works for children - through providing them with more autonomy over
contact arrangements and because children are more familiar with the
internet as a way of supporting social relationships
B. Allows fathers to communicate with their children in a way that does
not place either the child or mother at risk. Dads' Space 1-2-1 is a
secure online service where safety is a priority, while still promoting
Dads involvement in their children's lives.
How does Dads' Space work?
Like child contact in the real world, there are levels of access depending on safety and risk. All services offering support to children and families do so using a referral process and completing a risk assessment and Dads' Space 1-2-1 is no exception. There are three contact privileges and following the completion of the assessment, the Dads' Space 1-2-1 moderator will determine what level of contact the child and their father can have. The three levels are:
Indirect - this allows parent and child to play games and exchange
preset text; cards; gifts and greetings. There will be no free text
permitted and is the most secure level.
Supervised - allowing a broad exchange of information, sharing photos
and the playing of games. However, all communication is moderated
before it is transmitted.
Supported - this allows free real-time communication which is sampled
and post moderated to ensure that the service is being used
appropriately.