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 Indiana

14 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 Indiana

Indiana superior and circuit courts hear family matters in all 92 counties, with some counties operating dedicated domestic relations divisions. The Child Support Bureau operates under DCS. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend are the largest metros. Indiana Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

14 Resources

1. Indiana FSSA - Fatherhood Programs — Free

State Family and Social Services Administration coordinates responsible fatherhood initiatives connecting Indiana fathers with parenting education, employment support, child support navigation, and healthy relationship programming. Dads can call FSSA or visit the Indianapolis office for referrals to local grantee organizations across the state. Free and open to fathers regardless of custody status or income. Bring a photo ID to intake appointments.

317-233-4690 · 402 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading national nonprofit providing fatherhood skill-building curricula like 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad, delivered through partner organizations across Indiana. Dads can search the NFI site for programs near them or contact local partner agencies directly. Programs cover parenting, co-parenting, healthy relationships, and economic stability. Most programs are free to participants thanks to grants; some programs serve incarcerated or returning fathers.

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

3. All Pro Dad - Indiana Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters at elementary schools across Indiana. Dads and their kids meet monthly for breakfast and structured relationship-building activities with a rotating curriculum. Search by ZIP code on the website to find a chapter near you or start one at your child's school. Participation is free; breakfast may carry a small cost. Open to dads, father figures, grandfathers, and uncles.

Multiple IN school locations (search by ZIP) · Monthly meetings — check local chapter · Visit Website

4. Fathers and Families Center (Indianapolis) — Free

Indianapolis nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families by empowering fathers through parenting education, employment training, personal development, and child support navigation. Dads can enroll in cohort-based programs or access one-on-one case management. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any existing court orders or child support paperwork to intake. Programs are generally free thanks to public grants and private funders.

317-921-5935 · 2835 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana - Father Engagement — Free

Provides workforce development and family support services including fatherhood engagement through career training, financial coaching, and wraparound supports. Dads can enroll in Nurse-Family Partnership-style home visiting programs where eligible or access employment programs at Indianapolis locations. Bring photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address to intake. Most programs are free to qualifying participants.

317-524-4313 · 1635 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Fort Wayne Urban League - Fatherhood — Free

Serves northeast Indiana fathers with family engagement, workforce development, mentoring, and community support programs at the Fort Wayne center. Dads can enroll in cohort-based fatherhood classes, access job readiness workshops, and receive referrals for legal, housing, and child support help. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any existing court orders or pay stubs to intake. Programs are generally free.

260-745-3100 · 2135 S Hanna St, Fort Wayne, IN 46803 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Evansville Urban League - Fatherhood — Free

Provides fatherhood engagement, workforce development, and family strengthening programs for fathers in the Evansville tri-state area. Dads can enroll in cohort-based fatherhood classes and access case management, job readiness training, and referrals for legal and child support help. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any existing court orders or pay stubs to intake appointments at the downtown Evansville office.

812-423-3169 · 618 Main St, Evansville, IN 47708 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

8. Gary Urban League - Fatherhood — Free

Serves northwest Indiana fathers with family engagement, parenting education, employment services, and community support at the Gary office. Dads can enroll in fatherhood programs, access job readiness training, and receive referrals for child support, legal aid, and housing. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any existing court orders or pay stubs to intake appointments. Most programs are free thanks to public grants.

219-883-9601 · 3101 Broadway, Gary, IN 46409 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

9. South Bend Heritage Foundation - Father Engagement — Free

Community organization serving South Bend fathers with parenting programs, family strengthening activities, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. Dads can enroll in fatherhood groups and access referrals for employment, housing, and legal help in St. Joseph County. Bring a photo ID and any existing court orders or pay stubs to intake appointments at the west-side office. Programs are generally free thanks to grants.

574-289-1066 · 803 Lincolnway W, South Bend, IN 46616 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis - Father Involvement — Free

Promotes father involvement through family nights, mentoring programs, and youth development activities at multiple Indianapolis club locations. Dads can volunteer, attend family events with their kids, and enroll children (ages 6-18) in after-school and summer programming. Membership fees are low and scholarships are available. Bring a photo ID, child's birth certificate, and proof of address to register.

317-920-4700 · Multiple Indianapolis locations · Mon-Fri after school; Sat programs · Visit Website

11. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana — Free

Mentoring program matching adult male role models with youth across central Indiana. Offers community-based and site-based mentoring for children needing a positive male influence. Dads facing custody limitations can also refer their children for a Big Brother. Call to apply as a mentor or enroll a child. Bring a photo ID and, for enrolling children, the child's birth certificate and proof of guardianship.

317-921-2201 · 3901 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne) — Free

Mentoring organization connecting Fort Wayne-area youth with positive adult mentors, including father figures, across Allen and surrounding counties. Dads can volunteer as Bigs or enroll their child as a Little. Call to start the application process. Bring a photo ID for volunteer applications, and the child's birth certificate and proof of guardianship for enrollment. Background checks are required for mentors.

260-456-1600 · 2525 Lake Ave, Suite 100, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

13. Community Action of Southern Indiana - Fatherhood (New Albany) — Free

Provides fatherhood programs and family support services for southern Indiana fathers in Floyd, Clark, and Harrison counties at the New Albany office. Dads can enroll in parenting education, access employment support, and receive referrals for housing, child support, and legal help. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any existing court orders or pay stubs to intake. Programs are generally free.

812-288-6451 · 1613 E Spring St, New Albany, IN 47150 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

14. Terre Haute Catholic Charities - Fatherhood — Free

Provides fatherhood engagement and family strengthening programs for fathers in Vigo County and western Indiana through Catholic Charities of Terre Haute. Dads can enroll in parenting classes, access case management, and receive referrals for employment, housing, and child support help. Bring a photo ID and any existing court orders or pay stubs to intake appointments. Services are open regardless of faith and generally free.

812-232-1447 · 1801 Poplar St, Terre Haute, IN 47803 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · 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.