Kansas DCF – Fatherhood Initiative

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 Kansas

Kansas district courts handle family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts. The Child Support Services division operates under the Department for Children and Families. Wichita, Kansas City KS, Overland Park, and Topeka are the largest cities. Kansas Legal Services provides statewide civil legal aid, with fathers' rights and family law among the top case types.

More Fatherhood Programs in Kansas

• National Fatherhood Initiative – KS Partners — The National Fatherhood Initiative partners with Kansas community providers, DCF, and faith-based organizations to deliver evidence-based fa
• Urban League of Kansas – Fatherhood — The Urban League of Kansas in Wichita operates father engagement programs focused on parenting skills, employment support, child support nav
• YMCA of Greater Wichita – Father Programs — The YMCA of Greater Wichita offers father-child activities, parenting workshops, and family programming at branches across the Wichita metro
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka – Dads — Boys and Girls Clubs of Topeka operates programs that promote father involvement through family events, mentoring, and parenting engagement
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas matches adult mentors with children and youth statewide, providing positive father-figure relationships f
• Salvation Army – Father Programs Topeka — The Salvation Army Topeka Corps provides fatherhood support, family reunification assistance, emergency aid, and case management from its SE

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.