Research Group Hosts International Conference on Fatherhood
October 20, 2008 - News Release
The University of Guelph's Father Involvement Research Alliance (FIRA) is hosting a fathering and fatherhood conference Oct. 22 to 24, which has attracted experts from across the globe.
Held at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, Father Involvement 2008 is Canada's first-ever gathering of international fatherhood experts.
"Research has focused on mothers for many years, but now we have a proliferation of studies which reveal a lot about the aspirations and needs of the diverse group of fathers who are helping to shape the next generation," said Kerry Daly, family relations professor and FIRA co-chair. "This conference is all about taking what we know and putting it to work – helping fathers from all walks of life get more involved in their children's lives."
The two-day event will feature the latest research on fathers as well as innovative programs designed to help fathers from diverse backgrounds.
Some of the topics to be discussed include how father involvement impacts children's development, what the mother's role is when it comes to father involvement, how society can engage and support fathers who grew up without a father figure, why some dads do housework while others don't and what the best ways are to keep fathers involved after separation and divorce.
FIRA is a research group run out of U of G which involves academics from 10 different Canadian universities as well as service providers from across the country.
For more information on Father Involvement 2008 visit the FIRA website.
Contacts:
Tim Grier
Media liason
519-505-0184
Kerry Daly
Father Involvement 2008 chair and FIRA spokesperson
519-824-4120, Ext. 52699
kdaly@uoguelph.ca
