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 Connecticut

12 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 Connecticut

Connecticut's Superior Court handles family matters through regional Judicial Districts and Family Support Magistrate Division locations. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement under DSS. Major cities include Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. Connecticut Legal Services and Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut provide civil legal aid, and every courthouse has a court service center offering free forms assistance.

12 Resources

1. Village for Families & Children – Fatherhood — Free

Free father engagement, parenting education, and family strengthening programs for Hartford-area dads. Services include fatherhood support groups, parenting classes, employment support, and family counseling. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID and children's information to intake. Open to Hartford-area fathers regardless of custody status; connects dads to broader family and economic resources.

860-297-0500 · 1680 Albany Ave, Hartford, CT 06105 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. New Haven Family Alliance – Fatherhood — Free

Free father engagement, parenting education, and support services for New Haven-area dads. Programs include fatherhood workshops, parenting classes, and family strengthening activities. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID and children's information. Open to New Haven-area fathers regardless of custody status or income; connects dads to community resources and referrals for broader family support.

203-786-5970 · 370 James St, New Haven, CT 06513 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

3. National Fatherhood Initiative – CT Partners — Free

Evidence-based fatherhood curricula and programs offered through Connecticut community partners. Programs such as 24:7 Dad and InsideOut Dad are delivered through local agencies and serve fathers in varied circumstances including incarcerated, non-custodial, and new dads. Call or visit the website to find a participating CT provider near you. Most partner programs are free or low-cost.

301-948-0599 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Community Action Agency – Father Programs — Free

Free fatherhood services, family support, and case management for central Connecticut dads. Programs connect fathers to employment, parenting education, housing, and benefits. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, children's information, and any agency paperwork. Open to low-income fathers in the Hartford area regardless of custody status; connects dads to broader community resources.

860-244-2999 · 30 Arbor St, Hartford, CT 06106 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

5. YMCA of Greater Hartford – Father Programs — Free

Free and low-cost father-child bonding activities, parenting workshops, and family fitness programs at YMCA of Greater Hartford locations. Programs include dad-and-me classes, family swim, and parenting education. Membership discounts and financial aid available for qualifying families. Register at a branch or online. Bring photo ID to first visits. Serves Hartford-area fathers and children of all ages.

860-522-4183 · 160 Jewell St, Hartford, CT 06103 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

6. Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford – Dads — Free

Free youth programs and father-involvement initiatives promoting active dads in children's development in Hartford. Services include after-school care, mentoring, sports, and family events. Membership fees waived for qualifying low-income families. Enroll at a club location during after-school hours. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, and custody paperwork if applicable. Serves Hartford youth and involved fathers.

860-233-3681 · 170 Sigourney St, Hartford, CT 06105 · Mon-Fri after school · Visit Website

7. Stamford Fatherhood Program — Free

Father engagement and parenting education through community organizations in Stamford. Programs include fatherhood support groups, parenting workshops, and family strengthening activities. Free for Stamford-area fathers. Contact the city or local community agencies for current programming schedules. Bring photo ID and children's information to intake. Open to fathers regardless of custody status or income; connects dads to broader resources.

203-348-9216 · Stamford, CT 06901 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Danbury Head Start – Father Programs — Free

Free fatherhood engagement activities, workshops, and parenting education through Head Start in Danbury for fathers of children enrolled in the program. Activities include father-child events, literacy nights, and parenting classes. Open to dads of income-eligible Head Start children. Contact the local Head Start office during business hours. Bring photo ID and child's enrollment paperwork to events.

203-743-7741 · Danbury, CT 06810 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Norwalk Early Childhood Council – Dads — Free

Free father involvement programs and early childhood initiatives in Norwalk. Services include fatherhood workshops, father-child events, and connections to early education and family support resources. Open to Norwalk-area fathers of young children regardless of custody or income. Contact the council during business hours for current programming. Bring photo ID and children's information to events and workshops.

203-854-0870 · Norwalk, CT 06850 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Meriden Children First – Father Engagement — Free

Free programs promoting father involvement with children in Meriden, including fatherhood workshops, family events, and parenting support. Open to Meriden-area dads regardless of custody status. Contact the organization during business hours for current programming schedules. Bring photo ID and children's information to events. Connects fathers to broader Meriden community and family resources including childcare and education.

203-238-3422 · Meriden, CT 06450 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Community Action Agency of New Haven – Dads — Free

Free fatherhood programs and family support services for New Haven-area dads. Services include case management, employment support, parenting education, and connections to housing and benefits. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, children's information, and any agency paperwork. Open to low-income fathers regardless of custody status; serves the greater New Haven community.

203-387-7700 · 32 Elm St, New Haven, CT 06510 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

12. CT DCF – Fatherhood Engagement — Free

State Department of Children and Families initiatives promoting father engagement in child welfare, foster care, and reunification cases. Fathers with active DCF involvement can request engagement with caseworkers, visitation support, and parenting services. Call the agency or your assigned caseworker during business hours. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, and DCF paperwork to meetings. Statewide through DCF regional offices.

860-550-6300 · 505 Hudson St, Hartford, CT 06106 · 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.