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 California

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 California

California handles custody in superior courts across all 58 counties. The Department of Child Support Services runs enforcement through local child support agencies (LCSAs) in every county. Los Angeles County operates the largest family court system in the US. Major metros include LA, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, and Sacramento. LA County's LAFLA, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Legal Aid Society of San Diego are the largest legal aid programs.

16 Resources

1. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading fatherhood nonprofit with evidence-based programs including 24/7 Dad — the most widely used fatherhood curriculum in America. FatherSource Locator on fatherhood.org finds local CA programs by ZIP code. InsideOut Dad program specifically designed for incarcerated fathers. Call (301) 948-0599 or email info@fatherhood.org for referrals. Curriculum available to community organizations running fatherhood programs in California.

(301) 948-0599 · Mon-Fri 9-5 ET · Visit Website

2. First 5 California — Fatherhood Initiative — Free

California state commission supporting fathers of children 0-5 through direct services, training grants, and community partnerships across all 58 counties. Funds local programs for father engagement, co-parenting skills, and early childhood bonding. Call (916) 263-1050 or visit first5california.com for the fatherhood program locator. Focuses on the critical early years when father involvement has the greatest developmental impact.

(916) 263-1050 · 2399 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 120, Sacramento, CA 95833 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

3. Project Fatherhood — Children's Institute (LA) — Free

One of LA's most celebrated fatherhood programs since 1996, having served 15,000+ fathers in underserved neighborhoods. Weekly peer-led group meetings throughout South and Central LA. A national model for urban father engagement recognized by the White House and featured in major media. Call (213) 260-7600 or visit childrensinstitute.org/project-fatherhood. Free to participants. No prerequisites or registration required.

(213) 260-7600 · 2121 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 · Mon-Fri 9-5 · Visit Website

4. Friends Outside — Fatherhood Project (LA) — Free

'Dad's Back!' is a free re-entry fatherhood program for dads recently released from jail or prison in the LA area. Classes cover responsible fatherhood, job readiness, healthy relationships, and financial literacy. Call (626) 795-7607 or visit friendsoutsidela.org/fatherhood-project to enroll. Located in Pasadena. Program helps fathers reconnect with their children and rebuild stable family relationships post-incarceration.

(626) 795-7607 · 261 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 217, Pasadena, CA 91101 · Mon-Fri 9-5 · Visit Website

5. Fathers & Families of San Joaquin — Free

National model for interrupting cycles of violence through fatherhood programming in Stockton and the San Joaquin Valley. Serves formerly incarcerated fathers, at-risk youth, and vulnerable families with comprehensive support services. Call (209) 941-0701 or email snunez@ffsj.org. Located on Market Street in Stockton. Recognized as an evidence-based approach to breaking generational cycles of incarceration and family instability.

(209) 941-0701 · 338 E. Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202 · Mon-Fri 9-5

6. LA County Father's Support Hub — Dept of Mental Health — Free

Free program through LA County Dept of Mental Health empowering fathers with mental health resources, peer support, and community connections. Fatherhood support groups, self-care strategies, and referrals to counseling services. Email FatherSupport@dmh.lacounty.gov or visit dmh.lacounty.gov for information on group schedules and locations across LA County. Designed specifically for fathers experiencing stress, grief, or mental health challenges.

Los Angeles County (multiple sites) · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

7. All Pro Dad — California School Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood chapters where dads meet with their children at school for breakfast and activities. Over 1,400 chapters nationwide in 42 states with many active California chapters. Any California school can start a free chapter by visiting allprodad.com. Call (813) 222-8300 for information. Chapters typically meet monthly before school. A simple, accessible way for dads to show up for their kids at school.

(813) 222-8300 · CA chapters statewide · Mon-Fri 9-5 ET · Visit Website

8. California Fatherhood Council — Free

California Fatherhood Council brings together state agencies, community-based organizations, and faith-based partners to strengthen fatherhood programs across all 58 counties. Maintains a county-by-county fatherhood program directory and the CalDadNetwork online platform for connecting fathers with local resources. Visit cafatherhoodcouncil.org for the program locator. Advocates at the state policy level for father-inclusive programs.

Contact via website · Visit Website

9. Fatherhood.gov — Federal Resource Locator — Free

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services official portal with an interactive program map for finding federally-funded California fatherhood initiatives by ZIP code. Tools, tips, and articles for fathers on topics including co-parenting, child development, mental health, and financial stability. Visit fatherhood.gov 24/7 — completely free. A broad resource hub for all California fathers, from expectant dads to grandfathers.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

10. Dads Evoking Change (DEC) — Oakland — Free

Oakland nonprofit empowering fathers through peer support circles, free legal consultations, workshops, and co-parenting resources. Focuses on fathers involved in child welfare and family court systems. Located at 5627 Telegraph Ave in Oakland. Reach out via dadsevokingchange.org to schedule an appointment. Programs are culturally responsive and specifically designed for fathers of color navigating complex court systems.

5627 Telegraph Ave #371, Oakland, CA 94609 · By appointment · Visit Website

11. Boot Camp for New Dads — California — Free

Father-to-father workshops where experienced veteran dads coach new and expectant fathers on infant care, bonding, supporting their partner, and navigating new parenthood. Sessions held at hospitals and community centers across California. Check bootcampfornewdads.org for upcoming session locations near you. Classes are practical, hands-on, and led by dads who've been there. Ideal for first-time fathers preparing for their new role.

Hospital-based workshops statewide · Check website for upcoming sessions · Visit Website

12. Parents as Teachers — California Affiliates — Free

Home visiting program supporting families from pregnancy through kindergarten. Certified parent educators provide regular home visits, group connection events, and developmental screenings for children. Multiple California affiliate organizations serve communities across the state. Call (866) 728-4968 or visit parentsasteachers.org to find your nearest affiliate. Free for qualifying families. Fathers and co-parents are actively included in visits.

(866) 728-4968 · Multiple CA affiliates · By appointment · Visit Website

13. Nurse-Family Partnership — California — Free

Evidence-based home visiting program for first-time low-income parents. Registered nurses visit homes regularly from pregnancy through the child's second birthday. Active programs across LA, San Francisco, Sacramento, and more California communities. Call (866) 864-5226 or visit nursefamilypartnership.org to find a site near you. Free for eligible families. Programs actively encourage and support father involvement from day one.

(866) 864-5226 · Multiple CA sites · By appointment · Visit Website

14. Family Paths — East Bay Fatherhood (Oakland) — Free

Parent support services in Alameda County including fatherhood peer support groups, parent education classes, and family counseling. Warm line at (800) 829-3777 available daily 9am-9pm for parenting questions and emotional support. Located in Oakland. Call or walk in to connect with programming. Father-specific groups help dads build parenting skills, cope with stress, and navigate family challenges in the East Bay.

(800) 829-3777 · 1727 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Suite 109, Oakland, CA 94612 · Warm line daily 9am-9pm · Visit Website

15. LA Best Babies Network — Father Engagement — Free

Promotes father involvement in maternal and infant health outcomes across LA County through the LA Best Babies Network. Connects dads to home visiting programs, parenting education classes, and community health resources. Call (213) 225-2837 or visit labestbabies.org for referrals. Focuses on improving birth outcomes by engaging fathers early in pregnancy. Partners with hospitals, clinics, and community organizations countywide.

(213) 225-2837 · Los Angeles, CA · Mon-Fri 9-5 · Visit Website

16. San Diego Fatherhood Collaborative — Free

Coalition of organizations promoting responsible fatherhood in San Diego County. Connects dads to parenting classes, legal services, job training, and peer support groups throughout San Diego. Member organizations provide culturally responsive services in multiple languages. Visit the collaborative's website or contact member agencies directly. A countywide effort to ensure San Diego fathers have the support they need to be present and engaged parents.

San Diego, CA · Contact via 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.