Fatherhood Programs in Idaho

11 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 Idaho

Idaho magistrate divisions handle custody matters within the district courts. The Child Support Services division within the Department of Health and Welfare runs enforcement. Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls are the largest cities. Idaho Legal Aid Services provides free family law help for eligible fathers statewide.

11 Resources

1. National Fatherhood Initiative – ID Partners — Free

National nonprofit offering evidence-based fatherhood curricula used by community partners across Idaho. Fathers can find locally delivered 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad, and Understanding Dad classes through NFI affiliates, along with free online resources, eBooks, and tip sheets. Call the national office or use the site's program locator to find a participating organization in your region of Idaho.

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

2. Idaho Children's Trust – Fatherhood — Free

Child abuse prevention nonprofit funding programs that strengthen father-child bonds across Idaho. Fathers can access parenting education, father engagement groups, and referrals to local partners through Trust Fund grantees. Call the Boise office to find a program in your area; most services are offered free of charge and are open to dads in any living or custody situation.

208-386-9317 · Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. YMCA of Boise – Father Programs — Free

Father-child activities and parenting workshops offered through the Treasure Valley Family YMCA in Boise. Dads can participate in swim lessons, sports leagues, family nights, and occasional fatherhood workshops alongside their kids. Call the downtown branch for current programs and membership scholarships; financial assistance is available so cost is not a barrier for qualifying families.

208-344-5501 · 1050 W State St, Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

4. Boys & Girls Clubs of Idaho – Dads — Free

Youth development nonprofit running programs that promote positive father involvement in their children's lives. Based in Garden City, the club serves Ada County kids ages 6-18 after school and during the summer, with family nights and volunteer opportunities that welcome dads. Call to ask about enrollment, scholarship fees, and how to get involved as a volunteer or mentor.

208-375-0462 · 610 E 42nd St, Garden City, ID 83714 · Mon-Fri after school

5. Community Action Partnership – Fatherhood — Free

Community action agency running father engagement programs in southwest Idaho. Based in Boise, the partnership connects dads to parenting classes, co-parenting support, employment assistance, and Head Start father involvement activities. Call the office during business hours to ask about current groups and eligibility; most services are free to qualifying low-income fathers and families.

208-345-2820 · Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Nez Perce Tribe – Fatherhood Programs — Free

Culturally specific fatherhood programs for tribal families run by the Nez Perce Tribe in Lapwai. Services may include parenting classes, father-child cultural activities, and connections to tribal social services. Fathers enrolled with the tribe or raising tribal children can call the tribal offices to learn about current groups, eligibility, and how to enroll; programs are offered free to participating families.

208-843-7302 · Lapwai, ID 83540 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Shoshone-Bannock Tribes – Father Programs — Free

Culturally centered fatherhood programs at the Fort Hall Reservation serving Shoshone-Bannock families. Tribal fathers can access parenting classes, cultural teaching, and father-child activities through tribal social services. Call the tribal offices for the current schedule, enrollment requirements, and eligibility; programs are free to qualifying tribal members and families residing on or near Fort Hall.

208-238-3700 · Fort Hall, ID 83203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Coeur d'Alene Tribe – Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Tribal fatherhood initiative serving Coeur d'Alene Tribe families in north Idaho. Based in Plummer, the program may offer parenting classes, cultural activities, and father-child engagement opportunities tailored to tribal values. Fathers enrolled with the tribe or raising tribal children can call the tribal offices for current programming, eligibility, and enrollment information; services are free to participating families.

208-686-1800 · Plummer, ID 83851 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Big Brothers Big Sisters – Treasure Valley — Free

Mentoring nonprofit matching adult men as father-figure mentors with youth ages 6-18 in the Boise area. Dads interested in volunteering go through an application, background check, and matching process; families seeking a mentor for a child can enroll through the same intake. Call the downtown Boise office or visit the site to start; services are free to mentees and their families.

208-424-0477 · 777 N 8th St, Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Idaho Head Start – Father Involvement — Free

Father engagement activities offered through Head Start and Early Head Start centers statewide for families with children birth through age 5. Dads of enrolled children can participate in classroom visits, family nights, home visits, and policy council roles. Call the national Head Start locator or your local center to enroll; Head Start is free for eligible low-income families across Idaho.

866-763-6481 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

11. Idaho 2-1-1 – Fatherhood Resources — Free

Statewide information and referral line connecting Idaho fathers to fatherhood programs, parenting classes, child care, food assistance, housing, and other community supports. Dial 211 from any Idaho phone or search the online database to speak with a specialist who can match your situation to local services. Available 24/7, free, and confidential; no eligibility screening is required to call.

211 · 24/7 · 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.