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 Colorado

15 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 Colorado

Colorado uses 'allocation of parental responsibilities' instead of 'custody' and handles cases in district courts. The Child Support Services division runs enforcement statewide. Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins anchor the major metros. Colorado Legal Services (the statewide LSC program), Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, and numerous county self-help centers support fathers statewide.

15 Resources

1. Colorado DHS - Fatherhood Programs — Free

State Department of Human Services coordinates responsible fatherhood initiatives connecting Colorado fathers with parenting education, employment support, and referral services through county partners. Serves noncustodial and custodial fathers statewide, often in connection with child support or TANF cases. Contact your county DHS office for enrollment; bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any existing court orders to intake.

303-866-5700 · 1575 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading national nonprofit providing evidence-based fatherhood curricula such as 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad, implemented by Colorado community organizations, jails, and nonprofits. Serves fathers nationwide through local partner sites. Use the website's program locator to find a Colorado partner; enrollment is typically through the partner agency, which may request a photo ID and a short intake form to join a cohort.

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

3. All Pro Dad - Colorado Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters across Colorado where dads and kids meet monthly for breakfast, discussion, and bonding activities at their child's school. Serves elementary and middle school communities statewide. Use the website's ZIP code tool to find a participating school; meetings are free and typically require only signing in at the school office with a photo ID on the meeting morning.

Multiple CO school locations (search by ZIP) · Monthly meetings · Visit Website

4. Denver Urban League - Fatherhood — Free

Serves Denver-area fathers with family engagement programs, workforce development, parenting education, and community support, with a focus on African American and underserved communities. Services are free or low-cost for income-eligible participants. Call to schedule intake; bring a photo ID, Social Security card, recent pay stubs or proof of income, and any court orders related to custody or child support to your first appointment.

303-388-5861 · 3537 Franklin St, Denver, CO 80205 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Family Tree - Father Engagement (Denver) — Free

Denver-area nonprofit providing family support including father engagement groups, parenting education, domestic violence prevention, and housing services for families experiencing crisis. Serves metro Denver residents on a sliding scale, often free for income-eligible participants. Call to schedule intake; bring a photo ID, proof of income, and any court orders related to custody or protection orders to your first appointment.

303-422-2133 · 3805 Marshall St, Suite 100, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Mi Casa Resource Center - Father Programs (Denver) — Free

Denver nonprofit providing workforce development, career training, and family strengthening programs for Latino fathers and other underserved community members. Services are free for income-eligible participants and many are bilingual in English and Spanish. Call or visit to schedule intake; bring a photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, and work authorization documents if applicable to your first appointment.

303-573-1302 · 360 Acoma St, Denver, CO 80223 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Nurse-Family Partnership Colorado (NFP) — Free

Colorado-founded home visiting program supporting first-time parents, including fathers, with parenting skills, child development, and maternal health from prenatal care through the child's second birthday. Serves income-eligible first-time parents statewide through local implementing agencies. Call or apply online; enrollment requires proof of pregnancy or a newborn, a photo ID, and income verification from the partner site.

303-327-4240 · 1900 Grant St, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Parents as Teachers - Colorado — Free

Home visiting program providing parenting education, child development screenings, and family support from pregnancy through kindergarten entry through Colorado partner agencies statewide. Serves families of all income levels, with free services at most sites. Find a local affiliate on the website; enrollment is through the partner agency and typically requires a photo ID, proof of address, and the child's birth certificate.

Programs at CO partner agencies statewide · By appointment · Visit Website

9. Catholic Charities of Denver - Family Support — Free

Family strengthening programs including fatherhood engagement, parenting education, counseling, and family shelter, serving clients of all religions and backgrounds. Serves Denver metro residents, with many services free for income-eligible families. Call to schedule intake; bring a photo ID, proof of income such as pay stubs or benefits letters, and any court orders related to custody or housing to your first appointment.

720-377-1351 · 6240 Smith Rd, Denver, CO 80216 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Colorado Springs YMCA - Dad Programs — Paid

Father-child programs including Adventure Guides, family camps, and special events designed to build bonds between dads and kids through shared activities. Serves Pikes Peak-area families with membership fees and program costs, and financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Visit a local branch with a photo ID, proof of address, and proof of income if applying for a scholarship or reduced membership rate.

719-473-9622 · 207 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 · Mon-Fri 5am-10pm; Sat-Sun 7am-7pm · Visit Website

11. YMCA of Northern Colorado - Father Programs (Fort Collins) — Paid

Father engagement programs, family activities, youth sports, and camps building connections between dads and kids across northern Colorado. Serves Fort Collins, Loveland, and Larimer County residents with membership fees and program costs, with financial assistance available. Visit a local branch with a photo ID, proof of address, and proof of income if applying for a scholarship or reduced membership rate.

970-267-9622 · 2800 Dagny Way, Fort Collins, CO 80525 · Mon-Fri 5am-10pm · Visit Website

12. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado — Free

Mentoring organization matching volunteer mentors with children ages 5-18, with programs designed to provide father figures and positive male role models for kids missing that relationship. Serves families statewide at no cost. Apply online or by phone; parents and volunteers complete background checks and interviews, and matches typically include an in-person meeting with a caseworker and a signed family agreement.

303-433-0076 · 1391 N Speer Blvd, Suite 420, Denver, CO 80204 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Father Resource Network (National) — Free

National online hub connecting fathers with local and national fatherhood programs, research, articles, and support resources for parenting, co-parenting, and work-family balance. Serves fathers nationwide, including Colorado, at no cost. No intake is required; browse the website for program directories, read topical articles, and link out to the National Fatherhood Initiative and other partner organizations for deeper support.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

14. Dads Adventure Colorado (Outdoor Programs) — Free

Colorado-based outdoor meetups and events designed for fathers and their children to bond through hiking, camping, climbing, and other nature-based activities across the state. Serves Colorado fathers at a variety of skill levels, with most events free to join. Find local events through meetup platforms; arrive with season-appropriate gear, photo ID for any permit sites, and completed waivers if required by the host.

Various Colorado outdoor locations · Weekend events · Visit Website

15. Fathering Together (National - CO chapters) — Free

National nonprofit with Colorado chapters offering free dad meetups, online community groups, playgroups, and peer support for fathers navigating parenting, separation, or career transitions. Serves fathers nationwide, including Denver metro and other Colorado cities. Sign up on the website to join the online community and find a local chapter; most in-person events are free and require only a basic RSVP.

Meetups in Denver metro and other CO cities · Varies · 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.