Press Release

When is a Dad not a Dad?

Families Need Fathers today commented on the report issued by Liverpool John Moores University highlighting the high rate of paternal discrepancy, i.e. men who are not in fact the biological father of the child they believe to be their own. There have been a number of research studies that seek to establish figures, which have so far ranged from three to 10 per cent.

Families Need Fathers recognises that the responsibilities of parenting are multi-faceted. As far as financial support is concerned, this remains the responsibility of the biological parent or those declared to be parents by a court. As far as the emotional and social needs of a child are concerned, it is clearly in their best interests to maintain contact with those adults of significance in their lives. Where a child has been raised to believe that its father is the biological parent, and with whom the child has formed an attachment, Families Need Fathers believes that it is beneficial for the child’s positive development to maintain that contact.

“Today’s family comes in many different forms. The notion of the extended family, social or shared parenting, is no longer an anomaly. In fact, 17% of fathers in their mid-30’s are now step-parents – double the rate from twelve years before. What is most important to a child is to maintain contact with those adults that have, and can continue to provide emotional stability and security - whether that is their non-biological parent or not” commented Families Need Father’s Jim Parton.

As far as legal precedence is concerned this area is largely untested, but Families Need Fathers believes that father’s wishing to continue to parent children will have a strong case for doing so. In April of this year, Appeal Court judge Lord Justice Thorpe reversed a ruling previously denying access, and granted parental responsibility and a joint residence order to a lesbian alongside her previous same-sex partner who was the biological mother of the children.

Families Need Fathers (FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status. Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child's relationship with both parents. Founded in 1974, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.