Recap of the LHSC Knowledge Café on Father Involvement
On 8 October, the Leiden Healthy Society Center organized an inspiring Knowledge Café about the role of fathers in raising their children. Fathers play a vital role in their children's development but often feel less involved within the care and welfare system. Fortunately, more and more initiatives are being developed to change this, and this Knowledge Café provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and best practices and reflect on future initiatives.
The Knowledge Café was a collaborative effort by the four LHSC partners (Leiden University, Leiden University of Applied Sciences, mbo Rijnland, and the Municipality of Leiden) in cooperation with social organizations. The initiative was spearheaded by Assistant Professor Renate Buisman and Professor Peter Bos (Educational Sciences, Leiden University) in collaboration with Winnie Scherpenzeel (LHSC), Ingrid Craenen (Coordinator at the Center for Youth and Family), Nicolette Kager (Project Leader for Healthy and Promising Start/Youth Policy Officer for the Municipality of Leiden), and David van Tol (Researcher at Leiden University of Applied Sciences).
Findings from ‘Old Wounds, New Fathers’
During the event, the research study "Old Wounds, New Fathers" was presented by Ashish Ghoerbien, on behalf of Peter A. Bos, Renate Buisman, and Sabine van der Asdonk. The study revealed that childhood trauma in fathers is linked to increased parenting stress during the first 1,000 days after their child’s birth. Moreover, a strong relationship with the mother was found to be a crucial factor in reducing stress during this period. David van Tol also presented new insights on father involvement from the research project Leuker voor Later (Better for Later). The findings from both studies were shared with a diverse audience of professionals from Leiden’s health, care, and welfare sectors, who could take this new knowledge into their practices.
Discussions and Reflections
Following the presentations, participants engaged in discussions based on various propositions, exploring both the roles and challenges fathers face in parenting. The sessions offered space for sharing personal experiences and practical examples, gaining new insights, and expanding professional networks.
Inspirational Closing by Alderman Jermoumi
Alderman for Equal Opportunities, Youth, and Education, Abdelhaq Jermoumi, concluded the day with an inspiring speech on the importance of initiatives like this Knowledge Café in enhancing opportunities and well-being for the youngest generation. Reflecting on the event, Renate Buisman remarked: “For me, as a researcher, this event provided greater insight into the challenges professionals face in involving fathers in the care and welfare system. I also made new connections to collaborate on research to better understand fathers' experiences.”
Building a Foundation for Future Initiatives
This inspiring gathering not only provided valuable insights into father involvement but also strengthened collaboration between social organizations, the municipality, the university, and the university of applied sciences. It laid the foundation for new initiatives and joint research to enhance the role of fathers within Leiden’s care and welfare sector.
