What do fatherhood programs actually do?

Most combine peer support groups, parenting skill workshops, help navigating child support and custody, job training or placement, and — for fathers involved in the justice system — reentry services. Programs run 6–16 weeks typically, and most are free.

Who can join? Do I need custody?

Most fatherhood programs serve any dad regardless of custody status, marital status, or whether children live with them. Many specifically serve non-custodial fathers and fathers coming out of incarceration. A small number focus on specific populations (teen dads, reentry, veterans).

Are there programs for fathers who lost custody?

Yes. Programs like National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad, Father Friendly Check-up-affiliated organizations, and many faith-based programs specifically support dads rebuilding relationships with kids after separation or incarceration.

How do fatherhood programs help with child support?

Many run 'Fatherhood Fridays' or similar collaborations with child support agencies that provide modifications for reduced income, arrears reduction for program completion, or bridge-the-gap job placements to help dads get current on orders.

Fatherhood Programs in Arizona

16 verified resources.

About Fatherhood Programs for Fathers

Fatherhood programs in the US are funded through the federal Office of Family Assistance (OFA) under the Responsible Fatherhood grant program and through state and local initiatives. Programs typically focus on three areas: healthy marriage and relationship skills, responsible parenting, and economic stability (employment and financial literacy). Services often include peer support groups, one-on-one mentoring, job training, help navigating child support, and reentry support for formerly incarcerated fathers. Organizations like the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) and Fathers' Rights Movement operate nationally; most states also have dedicated fatherhood coalitions and faith-based organizations running local programs. This directory includes federally-funded Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) grantees, state fatherhood coalitions, and community-based mentorship programs — all open to dads regardless of custody status.

Fatherhood Programs in Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

16 Resources

1. Arizona Department of Economic Security - Fatherhood Programs — Free

State agency coordinating Arizona's responsible fatherhood initiatives, connecting fathers statewide with parenting classes, employment and workforce support, child support navigation, and co-parenting resources through community partner organizations. Open to custodial and noncustodial fathers regardless of income. Services are generally free. Call or visit a local DES office to be routed to a fatherhood program partner in your county.

602-542-4791 · 1789 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading national nonprofit providing evidence-based fatherhood skill-building curricula, including 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad (for incarcerated fathers), and Understanding Dad, delivered through Arizona community partners, faith organizations, and correctional facilities. Offers free online resources for dads on parenting, co-parenting, and fatherhood research. Programs are typically delivered at no cost to participants at partner sites. Search the site for Arizona providers.

301-948-0599 · National (programs delivered at AZ partner sites) · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. All Pro Dad - Arizona Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood engagement program of Family First with chapters at elementary and middle schools across Arizona. Fathers, father figures, and their kids meet monthly for breakfast, guided conversation topics, and relationship-building activities designed to strengthen the dad-child bond and build a community of engaged fathers. Free to participate. Search by ZIP code on the website to locate an existing chapter or start a new one.

Multiple AZ school locations (search by ZIP) · Monthly meetings — check local chapter · Visit Website

4. Chicanos Por La Causa - Fatherhood Program — Free

Phoenix-based statewide community development organization providing fatherhood engagement workshops, parenting education, workforce development, and family strengthening services with a focus on Latino fathers and families. Bilingual Spanish-language services throughout. Serves fathers in Maricopa County and other CPLC locations statewide at no cost. Bring photo ID and proof of residency to initial intake. Serving Arizona families since 1969.

602-257-0700 · 1402 S 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Fathers Matter (Phoenix) — Free

Phoenix-based fatherhood organization providing parenting workshops, peer support groups, one-on-one mentoring, and resources designed specifically for fathers seeking deeper engagement with their children. Programs address co-parenting, building bonds with kids, navigating the family court system, and healthy masculinity. Services are typically free. Open to fathers of all backgrounds and family situations. Check the website for current event schedule and intake.

Phoenix, AZ · Check website for events · Visit Website

6. Tucson Urban League — Free

Longstanding Tucson-based nonprofit affiliated with the National Urban League providing family strengthening and fatherhood engagement programs, workforce development and job training, youth mentoring, financial literacy, and community support for African American families and other underserved Tucson residents. Most services are free for qualifying participants. Bring photo ID and proof of address when enrolling in workforce or fatherhood programs.

520-791-9522 · 2305 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Healthy Families Arizona — Free

Statewide home visiting program administered through DES connecting new fathers and mothers with trained family support specialists who provide parenting skills coaching, child development education, developmental screenings, and family strengthening from prenatal through age five. Voluntary and free for enrolled families. Open to both parents regardless of marital status. Enroll through local partner agencies in most Arizona counties.

602-542-9825 · 1789 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. A New Leaf - Family Services (Mesa) — Free

Mesa-based nonprofit providing comprehensive family support services including parenting education classes, domestic violence intervention and batterer intervention programs, homeless shelter, financial assistance, and father engagement programming across the East Valley and Maricopa County. Most programs offered on a sliding scale or free for qualifying families. Bring photo ID and proof of income for intake into qualifying assistance programs.

480-969-4024 · 868 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (Phoenix) — Free

Youth development nonprofit operating over 30 clubs across Maricopa County providing after-school and summer programs, mentoring, academic support, sports, the arts, STEM, and family engagement activities for children ages 6 to 18. Offers father-child events throughout the year. Annual membership fees are low and scholarships are available so cost is never a barrier. Bring child's birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of address for membership enrollment.

602-264-6750 · Multiple Phoenix metro locations · Mon-Fri after school hours vary by club · Visit Website

10. Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson — Free

Youth development nonprofit operating clubs across Tucson and Pima County offering structured after-school and summer programs, academic support, sports leagues, arts, STEM, father-child events, and mentoring opportunities for children ages 6 to 18. Annual membership fees are low and scholarships available so cost is never a barrier. Bring child's birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of address for membership enrollment at any club location.

520-573-4346 · Multiple Tucson locations · Mon-Fri after school hours vary · Visit Website

11. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona — Free

Phoenix metro affiliate of the national mentoring nonprofit matching adult volunteer mentors one-to-one with youth ages 6 to 18 for ongoing community-based and site-based relationships. Strong focus on recruiting male mentors (Big Brothers) to support boys who need a positive adult male presence. Free for enrolled families. Bring child's birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of address to enrollment intake for the matching process.

602-264-9110 · 1010 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

12. Arizona Fatherhood Coalition — Free

Statewide network of community organizations, government agencies, and faith-based groups connecting Arizona fathers with parenting resources, peer support groups, community events, workforce referrals, and advocacy for responsible fatherhood. Coordinates fatherhood awareness campaigns and connects fathers to local programs. Most coalition member services are free for participants. Check the website or call member organizations for event calendars and intake.

Statewide — partner sites across AZ · Check website for events · Visit Website

13. Fathers and Families Coalition of America - AZ Programs — Free

National fatherhood and family strengthening organization with Arizona partner sites in the Phoenix metro delivering evidence-based parenting curricula, workforce development, co-parenting education, and reentry support for fathers. Programs emphasize culturally responsive approaches for Black, Latino, and Native fathers. Most services are free to enrolled fathers. Bring photo ID, any court or child support paperwork, and proof of residency to intake appointments at partner sites.

661-310-8877 · Phoenix metro area partner locations · Check website for program schedule

14. Native American Fatherhood & Families Association (Mesa) — Free

Tempe-based national nonprofit founded in Arizona providing culturally grounded fatherhood and family strengthening programs for Native American and Indigenous communities. Delivers the Fatherhood Is Sacred and Motherhood Is Sacred curricula through partnerships with tribes, urban Indian centers, and community organizations nationwide. Most programs are free for participants. Bring tribal ID or photo ID and any child-related paperwork to intake at partner sites.

480-833-5007 · 835 E Elliott Rd, Suite C-145, Tempe, AZ 85284 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. YMCA of the Valley - Father/Child Programs — Paid

Valley of the Sun YMCA operates multiple branches across the Phoenix metro offering family programs, dad-and-kid fitness classes, Adventure Guides (formerly Indian Guides), family camping trips, and father engagement activities. Full-facility memberships include youth programs for the entire family. Financial assistance and sliding-scale dues are available through the Open Doors program. Bring photo ID, proof of address, and household income documentation to apply.

602-257-5138 · Multiple Phoenix metro locations · Varies by program and location · Visit Website

16. Florence Crittenton (Phoenix) — Free

Phoenix nonprofit dating to the 1890s providing family strengthening programs, parenting education, behavioral health services, residential care for at-risk girls, and youth services with a focus on strengthening father-child and family relationships. Accepts referrals from DCS, the courts, and self-referred families. Services are offered on a sliding-fee scale with scholarships available. Bring photo ID, insurance or AHCCCS card, and any referral paperwork to intake.

602-274-7318 · 715 W Mariposa St, Phoenix, AZ 85013 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Fatherhood Programs — Common Questions

What do fatherhood programs actually do?: Most combine peer support groups, parenting skill workshops, help navigating child support and custody, job training or placement, and — for fathers involved in the justice system — reentry services. Programs run 6–16 weeks typically, and most are free.
Who can join? Do I need custody?: Most fatherhood programs serve any dad regardless of custody status, marital status, or whether children live with them. Many specifically serve non-custodial fathers and fathers coming out of incarceration. A small number focus on specific populations (teen dads, reentry, veterans).
Are there programs for fathers who lost custody?: Yes. Programs like National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad, Father Friendly Check-up-affiliated organizations, and many faith-based programs specifically support dads rebuilding relationships with kids after separation or incarceration.
How do fatherhood programs help with child support?: Many run 'Fatherhood Fridays' or similar collaborations with child support agencies that provide modifications for reduced income, arrears reduction for program completion, or bridge-the-gap job placements to help dads get current on orders.