A support group fighting for fathers' rights has launched an Islandwide survey to help them look after children's wellbeing.

Child Watch organisers hope to get some positive feedback from the public from a comphrehensive poll of public opinion.

Eddie Fisher, organisation chairman, said: "Child Watch is an action group and works toward solutions pertaining to our children.'' The group aims to change the laws and views on the rights of the single father, so they may actively share in the day-to-day life of their children and even become the primary care-giver.

"This isn't a gang-up against mothers,'' said Steve Thomson, a member of the organisation's executive.

Mr. Fisher explained: "We are a parenting group and we are very concerned about the role of parents -- and children's education, welfare and emotional well-being.'' The primary task of Child Watch is to survey the general public, study the demographics and rank the results for follow-up tasks aimed at providing fathers with rights and privileges to take part in raising their children.

Juan Wolffe, Crown counsel and member of the executive, said the survey is for everyone.

"We are not looking for one perspective -- we want fathers, mothers, grandmothers,'' he said.

Mr. Wolffe also voiced some concerns on behalf of the organisation, about current legislature.

"We appreciate the politicians are doing the best they can,'' he said.

But he added that the "wording of legislature'' is favourable toward mothers and the charity feels that both parents are vital to a child's upbringing.

The charity also hopes to address fathers incarcerated at the Westgate prison facility.

Mr. Fisher, an active member of the Prison Fellowship programme that assists inmates with providing for their families, said: "The inmates are close to my heart and we are most concerned with the fathers in prison.

"Through the laws, the judges' hands are often handcuffed as to what they can do.'' Jack Harris, member of the executive, pointed out that once a man is imprisoned, it is difficult to assist his family.

Inquiries about the charity or persons interested in membership can leave a message at a voice mail box, 291-1000.

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