Bethan Jenkins AC/AM Blog

I WAS present at the launch of Families need Fathers Swansea last night.

The organisation supports parents in helping to do the best for their child or children. It often supports non-resident parents in gaining access to their children via the family court system, as well as providing advice. It also campaigns on policy and legislative issues here in Wales, and is now extending that work to Swansea and other local areas.

I met with fathers at the meeting who are going through a very difficult time in seeking to gain access to their children, and are fighting against a system which seems to be set up to see them fail. Going through a long period of seeking access through court, to be told that the only access you can have with your child is to send them birthday and Christmas cards must be heartbreaking for any parent.

I can’t imagine the pain such parents must be going through. Nothing is black and white, yet from my short involvement with the organisation, it seems that the odds are stacked against the non-resident parent, who is more often than not the father.

There’s much that can be done to improve the lives of children, and to ensure that they have the love and care of both parents, extended family, and step parents here in Wales, and I will be very much involved in this process.

In the meantime, here is a link to the new group in Swansea, and a link to the National organisation.