Colorado DHS - Fatherhood Programs

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.

More Fatherhood Programs in Colorado

• National Fatherhood Initiative — Leading national nonprofit providing evidence-based fatherhood curricula such as 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad, implemented by Colorado communi
• All Pro Dad - Colorado Chapters — School-based fatherhood program with chapters across Colorado where dads and kids meet monthly for breakfast, discussion, and bonding activi
• Denver Urban League - Fatherhood — Serves Denver-area fathers with family engagement programs, workforce development, parenting education, and community support, with a focus
• Family Tree - Father Engagement (Denver) — Denver-area nonprofit providing family support including father engagement groups, parenting education, domestic violence prevention, and ho
• Mi Casa Resource Center - Father Programs (Denver) — Denver nonprofit providing workforce development, career training, and family strengthening programs for Latino fathers and other underserve
• Nurse-Family Partnership Colorado (NFP) — Colorado-founded home visiting program supporting first-time parents, including fathers, with parenting skills, child development, and mater

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.