Lived experiences and individual dynamics of fathers’ recurrence

The qualitative element of the research involves the recruitment of up to a total of 35 men (across all participating authorities) who have experienced recurrent proceedings and/or repeat removals. Men who consent to taking part will be interviewed at the start and end of the 12-month study period and have regular phone contact with a dedicated researcher in between.

In this stage, we will address the following research questions:

• What are the life dynamics of vulnerable fathers and patterns of service interaction that sustain and/or disrupt repeat losses of their children to care?
• What are men’s strategies for managing grief and the stigma of loss in relation to intimate adult and father-child relationships?