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 Illinois

17 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 Illinois

Illinois handles family law through circuit courts in each of its 23 judicial circuits, with Cook County running its own Domestic Relations Division. The Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. Chicago dominates the state; downstate metros include Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Legal Aid Chicago (formerly CVLS) and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid cover most of the state for low-income fathers.

17 Resources

1. Illinois Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Statewide nonprofit connecting children with father figures through mentoring, school-based programs, and community events across Illinois. The Illinois Fatherhood Initiative promotes healthy father-child relationships and positive male role models. Programs include in-school mentoring, community father involvement workshops, and an annual Illinois Fatherhood Conference. Fathers and organizations can contact them to learn about chapter opportunities and events in their community.

773-425-7987 · 1515 S Grove Ave, #3667, Barrington, IL 60011 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood — Free

State commission promoting positive involvement of both parents in children's lives. Hosts annual fatherhood symposiums and connects dads to local programs and resources across Illinois. The council works with government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand support for fathers. Dads seeking connection to local fatherhood programs, parenting classes, or employment support can contact them for referrals and event information.

312-296-8656 · Chicago, IL · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Metropolitan Family Services - Young Fathers Program — Free

Chicago-based program helping young fathers become employed, financially self-sufficient, and actively engaged in their children's lives. MFS Young Fathers offers employment coaching, job placement assistance, fatherhood skills workshops, and case management for young dads on Chicago's South Side. Participants receive support navigating child support, custody, and parenting responsibilities. Call to learn about eligibility and how to enroll in current programming.

773-884-3310 · 3843 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Chicago CRED — Free

Violence intervention nonprofit providing life coaching, job training, trauma therapy, and fatherhood support to men in Chicago's most impacted neighborhoods. Chicago CRED works with men at high risk of gun violence, helping them break cycles of trauma through intensive wrap-around services. Fathers in communities like Englewood, Austin, and Woodlawn can contact Chicago CRED to learn about enrollment and access employment and family support services.

300 E Randolph St, Suite 3850, Chicago, IL 60601 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Research-based fatherhood resources, 24/7 Dad program, and connection to local fatherhood programs across Illinois. The National Fatherhood Initiative offers a curriculum used by hundreds of programs nationwide, plus an online resource library for dads. The 24/7 Dad curriculum is available through local programs in Illinois. Fathers can use the website to find local programs, download parenting resources, and access research on father involvement.

301-948-0599 · National (Illinois programs available) · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Chicago Urban League — Free

Historic organization serving African American families on Chicago's South Side with workforce development, youth programs, education, and family services including father engagement initiatives. The Chicago Urban League connects men with job training, career counseling, financial literacy workshops, and mentoring opportunities. Fathers seeking employment support, professional development, or family resources can call or visit their Michigan Avenue office.

773-451-3573 · 4510 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. All Pro Dad - Illinois Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters at Illinois schools hosting free monthly breakfast meetings for dads and their children. All Pro Dad chapters bring fathers and kids together before school for a meal, structured activities, and conversations that build stronger bonds. Programs are run by volunteer team leaders at individual schools. Fathers can search for a chapter at their child's school or start a new one by contacting the national organization.

Multiple school locations across Illinois · Monthly meetings — check local chapter · Visit Website

8. Habilitative Systems Inc. — Free

Chicago nonprofit serving individuals affected by mental illness, incarceration, and homelessness with reentry support, job training, and fatherhood services on the West Side. Habilitative Systems helps formerly incarcerated fathers reintegrate into their families and communities by offering case management, employment assistance, and parenting education. Call to learn about current fatherhood programming and eligibility requirements.

773-261-2252 · 415 S Kilpatrick Ave, Chicago, IL 60644 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Illinois Head Start - Father Engagement Programs — Free

Federal Head Start programs across Illinois with dedicated father engagement initiatives to increase dads' involvement in early childhood education and their children's development. Local Head Start centers host fathers' activities, involve dads in classroom volunteering, and offer parenting workshops tailored to fathers. Fathers with children aged birth to 5 in income-eligible families can contact their local Head Start center to learn about enrollment and father programs.

217-241-3784 · Multiple locations statewide · Varies by local center · Visit Website

10. UCAN Chicago — Free

Youth and family services organization providing mentoring, counseling, foster care support, and father engagement programs on Chicago's West Side. UCAN serves at-risk youth and families with trauma-informed care, intensive case management, and workforce readiness support. Fathers navigating difficult family situations, reentry from incarceration, or involvement with DCFS can contact UCAN to explore available services and enrollment.

312-738-5200 · 3605 W Fillmore St, Chicago, IL 60624 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Centers for New Horizons — Free

South Side Chicago organization providing comprehensive family services including fatherhood engagement, workforce development, and youth programs in Bronzeville and nearby neighborhoods. Centers for New Horizons offers employment training, parenting education, early childhood services, and mental health support. Fathers in the South Side seeking job assistance, parenting resources, or family support can call or visit their King Drive location to learn about enrollment.

773-373-5700 · 4150 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Community Action Partnership of Lake County - Fatherhood — Free

Lake County nonprofit providing fatherhood programs, job training, and family support services for low-income fathers in suburban Chicago. Based in Waukegan, CAPLC serves communities across Lake County with employment workshops, parenting education, early childhood programs, and crisis assistance. Fathers in Waukegan, Zion, North Chicago, and nearby areas can call to learn about current fatherhood programming and available support services.

847-249-4330 · 215 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (PCCEO) — Free

Central Illinois community action agency offering fatherhood programs, Head Start, and family support services in the Peoria area. PCCEO provides employment assistance, parenting education, energy assistance, and early childhood programs to low-income families. Fathers in Peoria, Pekin, and surrounding central Illinois communities can call PCCEO to learn about fatherhood programming enrollment and available support services.

309-671-3900 · 711 W McBean St, Peoria, IL 61605 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Rockford Area Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Community-based fatherhood program in Rockford providing parenting education, job readiness, and mentoring for fathers in the greater Rockford area. The program helps dads strengthen their relationships with their children, improve co-parenting communication, and build economic stability through employment support. Fathers in Winnebago County can call to learn about current group sessions, one-on-one coaching availability, and how to enroll.

815-965-8680 · Rockford, IL 61101 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

15. South Suburban Family Shelter - Father Programs — Free

Provides fatherhood education, healthy relationship building, and family strengthening programs in Chicago's south suburbs. South Suburban Family Shelter offers parenting classes for fathers alongside its domestic violence services, helping dads learn communication skills and positive discipline strategies. Fathers in Homewood, Flossmoor, Harvey, and nearby south suburban communities can call to learn about available fatherhood programming and enrollment.

708-335-3028 · P.O. Box 937, Homewood, IL 60430 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

16. SGA Youth & Family Services — Free

Chicago nonprofit providing fatherhood services, youth mentoring, family counseling, and reentry support for men returning from incarceration on the South Side. SGA offers structured fatherhood groups, one-on-one case management, job readiness coaching, and connections to housing and benefits. Fathers recently released from prison who want to reconnect with their children and rebuild family stability can call or email to learn about current programs.

773-229-0249 · 5520 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60636 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

17. One Hope United - Father Engagement — Free

Statewide child welfare organization with father engagement services, home visiting, and family preservation programs across Illinois. One Hope United works with families involved in the child welfare system to prevent child removal and support reunification. Father engagement specialists help dads understand DCFS processes, build parenting skills, and remain connected with their children during open cases. Call the Chicago office for information on current programs.

312-274-4990 · 333 S Wabash Ave, Suite 2750, Chicago, IL 60604 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-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.