The original idea was one developed by Richard Fletcher but the SMS4dads program has had contributions from many researchers and clinicians from all areas of Australia and overseas.
As well as the thousands of dads who have engaged with SMS4dads there have been lots of individuals who have helped to develop the content and delivery:
Chris May, Jennifer StGeorge, Peter Gordon, Geoff Skinner, Frances Kay-Lambkin, Jacqui Macdonald, Jamie Wroe, Olive Auman, Rebecca Giallo, Rebecca Liackman, Jeanette Milgrom, Louie Hahn, Brett Sales, Alan Hayes, Brian Kelly, John Attia, Helen Skouteris, Craig Garfield, Paul Ramchandani, Louise Newman, Kim Hudson, Jenny Chaves Miranda Cashin, Jenni Richardson, Luke Martin, Dawson Cook, Nick Kowalenko, Nicole Highet, Bryanne Barnett, David Ellwood, Jane Warland, Ian Symonds, Michael Stark, Eileen Dowse, Alka Kothari, Jackie Mead, Cate Rawlinson, Elisabeth Hoehn, Libby Morton, Andrea Baldwin, Graham Stark, Jennifer Waterson, Janette Garvey, Sarah Moakes, Nick Kowalenko.
SMS4DeadlyDads has been co-designed by the SMS4dads First Nations team Uncle Mick Adams, Craig Hammond and Dave Edwards in consultation with an Advisory Group of senior First Nations men representing Aboriginal Controlled Health organisations.
Mick Adams University of Newcastle | Craig Hammond University of Newcastle | Kaiden Powell Community member | Jacob Prehn University of Tasmania | Kootsy Canuto Flinders University Northern Territory | Jason Bonson Flinders University Northern Territory | Steven Torres-Carne Community member | Dallas Hure Community member | Peter Mitchell Outreach Service Aboriginal Corporation Broome | Steven Rossingh Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation NT | Jack Bulman Mibbinbah Spirit Healing | Darrel Smith Miyay Birray Youth Service Inc Moree | Kane Ellis Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service NSW | Joe Russell NT Government | Richard Fletcher University of Newcastle | James Smith Flinders University Northern Territory | Dave Edwards University of Newcastle | Bernard David Apunipima Cape York Health Council
Mark Wenitong Cairns and Torres Strait | Roderick Thompson Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service | Eugene Warrior SA Health (Port Augusta) | Dylan McKenzie Marnbi Aboriginal Corporation | Clinton Bennell Nunga Mi:Minar | Marsat Ketchell QLD Health (Thursday Island) | Jason Smith Awabakal | Ian Eggins Wandiyali
We are strongly committed to lifting the support for men as they become fathers. We base our decisions and content on research. We are targeting dads in the early stages of parenting (where their needs are not recognised) so that children and families will have better life outcomes
Richard’s research revealed possible long-term negative impacts on the children of dads with mental health issues. Fathers’ depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth predicted behaviour problems in their children years later.
“If dads’ mental health has such a dramatic impact then we need to be screening dads for depression, not just mums,” Richard explains.
In response to these limitations, Richard and his team have designed a smart-phone based program that allows mobile connection for new and expectant dads.
Participants receive texts containing information and links, and self-report their mood. If the mood tracker identifies dads as needing extra support, they will be offered a phone call from a counsellor trained in this area.
Following the success of the pilot of the SMS4dads program, Funding was received to enable a National roll-out.
“When dad’s miss antenatal classes or activities, they also miss out on contact and links to other people. They may never get the chance to say to anyone, look I’m really stressed,” he points out.
“SMS4dads is a way of bringing dads into the health system and keeping them linked in with services and support,” explains Richard.
Richard credits a varied career, a talented and innovative team, and much life experience for affording him the insight needed to address the challenges related to actively engaging dads.
After completing his masters in Medical Science, studying epidemiology, Richard earned his PhD focusing on fathers and attachment.
“Fathers are invisible in many places, and that is endemic. Not because people dislike fathers, but because the system is set up to be focused on mothers.”
Some services and organisations are aware of the need to engage dads, but have been unsuccessful in their attempts.
“When people are challenged about this, they generally want dads involved,” Richard affirms.
“Often, however, they just don’t know how to do it.”
Richard works with health professionals on issues related to fathers, and has delivered many antenatal programs for expectant dads.
He credits his own family with giving him an understanding of the role of fathers needed to make his work relevant.
“I have three daughters and two stepdaughters,”
“My kids would say they taught me just about everything I know and they’d be right. They’ve taught me a lot, and still do.”
Richard’s research revealed possible long-term negative impacts on the children of dads with mental health issues. Fathers’ depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth predicted behaviour problems in their children years later.
“If dads’ mental health has such a dramatic impact then we need to be screening dads for depression, not just mums,” Richard explains.
In response to these limitations, Richard and his team have designed a smart-phone based program that allows mobile connection for new and expectant dads.
Participants receive texts containing information and links, and self-report their mood. If the mood tracker identifies dads as needing extra support, they will be offered a phone call from a counsellor trained in this area.
Following the success of the pilot of the SMS4dads program, Funding was received to enable a National roll-out.
“When dad’s miss antenatal classes or activities, they also miss out on contact and links to other people. They may never get the chance to say to anyone, look I’m really stressed,” he points out.
“SMS4dads is a way of bringing dads into the health system and keeping them linked in with services and support,” explains Richard.