7 Resources
Court-mandated 4-hour parenting education program required for all divorcing parents with minor children in Cook County. The Focus on Children program helps parents understand the impact of divorce on children and learn cooperative co-parenting strategies. Classes are offered on weekdays and select Saturdays at the Daley Center. Fathers must complete it before receiving a final divorce decree. Register with the Domestic Relations Division.
312-603-1540 · 50 W Washington St, Room 2600, Chicago, IL 60602
Chicago nonprofit mediation center offering low-cost family mediation including divorce, custody, and co-parenting disputes. CCR charges fees on a sliding scale based on income, making professional mediation accessible for lower-income fathers. Trained mediators help co-parents develop workable parenting plans, share decision-making responsibilities, and reduce conflict outside of court. Call or email to schedule an intake and learn about fee options.
312-922-6464 · 11 E Adams St, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60603
Professional mediation service handling family law disputes including custody, property division, and child support for Chicago and Cook County families. The Chicago Bar Association's mediation panel includes experienced family law attorneys who serve as neutral mediators. Parties pay hourly fees split between them and schedule sessions at their convenience. Ideal for fathers seeking a structured, private alternative to contested courtroom proceedings.
312-554-2040 · 321 S Plymouth Ct, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604
Free court-ordered mediation services for parents in Cook County Domestic Relations cases. Helps parents create parenting plans that serve their children's best interests. Sessions are conducted by trained court staff mediators in a confidential setting. Fathers ordered to mediation should bring a list of their scheduling needs and concerns. The goal is a written, signed parenting agreement that can be entered as a court order.
312-603-1540 · 50 W Washington St, Room 2600, Chicago, IL 60602
Supervised visitation and safe exchange services for families affected by domestic violence. Provides a safe, neutral location for court-ordered parenting time visits and child exchanges to minimize conflict between parents. Located on Chicago's Northwest Side, the program serves families in DV situations where direct parent contact could pose a safety risk. Call to request a referral or ask your attorney about court-ordering supervised visits here.
773-427-6345 · 3834 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Northwestern Law clinic advocating for families in the child welfare system, helping parents maintain connections with their children throughout DCFS proceedings. The clinic provides free representation to low-income parents whose children have been removed or who face termination of parental rights. Fathers involved in child welfare cases in Cook County can call for intake screening and learn whether the clinic can take their case.
312-503-0396 · 375 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Chicago-area nonprofit providing family support programs, parent education, and home visiting services to strengthen parent-child relationships. Family Focus operates family resource centers in Chicago, Evanston, Elgin, and other communities offering free parenting classes, workshops for fathers, and home visiting for families with young children. Fathers can drop in at local centers to learn about programs and enroll in classes.
847-475-7084 · 310 S Peoria St, Suite 401, Chicago, IL 60607