Plus Paternal: Case for Change

To improve the health of men and their families, a fundamental shift in the way fathers are viewed and supported is required. The goals of the Plus Paternal: Case for Change are about strengthening society and the health system to keep up with the changing needs, expectations, roles and diversity of modern-day families.

Plus Paternal Network

Supporting men’s journey to fatherhood requires the collaboration and commitment of a wide range of stakeholders. The Plus Paternal: Case for Change Endorsing Partners is a network of individuals and organisations who are committed to action to support the seven goals of achieving change for healthier families. As a public statement, they acknowledge that change is required and that these goals will lead to better outcomes for fathers and their families.

The engaged network currently includes 28 representatives who meet quarterly to provide updates on progress across the states, territories and nationally. Healthy Male acknowledges the ongoing commitment and amazing work of the Plus Paternal partners.

Plus Paternal Progress

Two years after the Case for Change was launched, there have been some notable improvements in relation to the engagement and care of fathers. The benefits of the engagement and effort of the network are gradually becoming embedded into our systems and practices of health care. More professional input is evident and we are seeing an increase in men seeking resources to support their experience of parenthood. • Fathers are being more often considered in perinatal mental health initiatives thanks to funding. • The experiences of bereaved fathers are being sought through new questions on national surveys. • More national tender and grant opportunities are available for resources that support both parents. • Guidelines for supporting parents after the loss of a child are shifting to be inclusive of fathers.

• An antenatal class model that includes a focus on fathers is receiving an increased uptake in Queensland.

More change is needed. By taking a top-down and bottom-up approach, the system can be changed to recognise, value and support the health and wellbeing of men, as well as women and babies, from preconception to parenthood.

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