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 Louisiana

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 Louisiana

Louisiana is the only US state based on civil law (Napoleonic Code) rather than common law. Family matters are heard in district courts, with most parishes having dedicated family sections. The Department of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement Services handles enforcement. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette are the major cities. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provide civil legal aid.

12 Resources

1. Total Community Action – Father Engagement — Free

Fatherhood programs, parenting education, and family support services for New Orleans area fathers through Total Community Action's community action agency framework. Services may include workshops, case management, and connection to job readiness and Head Start. Call 504-872-0334 or visit 1420 S Jefferson Davis Parkway weekdays. Bring photo ID and any income documentation for program eligibility intake.

504-872-0334 · 1420 S Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Urban League of Louisiana – Fatherhood — Free

Father engagement programs including parenting education, job readiness, financial literacy, and community mentorship for New Orleans area fathers. Helps with employment, co-parenting skills, and reconnection with children. Call 504-620-2332 or visit 900 Poydras Street Suite 600 weekdays. Bring photo ID and any relevant income or court documents. Services generally free to qualifying participants across partner programs.

504-620-2332 · 900 Poydras St #600, New Orleans, LA 70112 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. National Fatherhood Initiative – LA Partners — Free

National organization providing evidence-based fatherhood curricula and program support implemented by Louisiana community partners, nonprofits, and faith-based agencies. Programs cover parenting skills, co-parenting, and father engagement. Visit fatherhood.org to find local Louisiana providers using NFI materials or call 301-948-0599. Useful for fathers seeking structured, research-backed parenting education through partner organizations statewide.

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

4. Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana – Dads — Free

Programs promoting father and male caregiver involvement in children's after-school activities, mentoring, and youth development at Boys & Girls Club sites across southeast Louisiana. Fathers can volunteer, participate in family events, and connect with staff on youth support. Call 504-525-4585 or visit 3132 Gentilly Boulevard in New Orleans during after-school hours for family programming details.

504-525-4585 · 3132 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122 · Mon-Fri after school

5. Big Buddy Program – Baton Rouge — Free

Mentoring program pairing vetted adult male mentors with at-risk youth in the Baton Rouge area, supporting father-figure engagement and positive male role models. Provides after-school, academic, and enrichment programming. Call 225-927-8880 or visit 4380 Perkins Road weekdays. Fathers interested in mentoring can apply online at bigbuddy.org; background check and training required before youth placement.

225-927-8880 · 4380 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Louisiana — Free

Mentoring programs pairing vetted adult mentors including fathers and male role models with youth across Louisiana. Community-based and site-based matches support academic and social development. Call 504-828-1266 or visit 824 Elmwood Park Boulevard in Harahan weekdays. Prospective mentors complete an application, background check, and training. Useful for fathers seeking to give back and support at-risk youth.

504-828-1266 · 824 Elmwood Park Blvd, Harahan, LA 70123 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

7. 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge — Free

Mentoring, leadership development, and fatherhood support programs for African American men and youth in the Baton Rouge area. Signature programs include mentoring, college prep, health, and economic empowerment. Call 225-356-2100 or visit 100blackmenbr.org for event schedules and volunteer information. Fathers welcome as mentors and participants; programs emphasize strong male role modeling and community service.

225-356-2100 · Baton Rouge, LA 70802 · Varies · Visit Website

8. 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans — Free

Mentoring, education, and father engagement programs for African American men and youth in the greater New Orleans area. Signature programs cover mentoring, academic enrichment, health, and economic empowerment. Call 504-522-6100 or visit 100blackmennola.org for event and volunteer information. Fathers welcome as mentors and program participants; focus on strong male role modeling and community leadership in New Orleans.

504-522-6100 · New Orleans, LA 70112 · Varies · Visit Website

9. Council for a Better Louisiana – Fatherhood — Free

Policy research and advocacy organization supporting fatherhood engagement, family stability, and child well-being through state-level work in Louisiana. Not a direct service provider. Call 225-344-2225 or visit 455 3rd Street in Baton Rouge weekdays. Useful for fathers interested in policy advocacy, research, and civic engagement that affects Louisiana families, children, and fatherhood programs statewide.

225-344-2225 · 455 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Catholic Charities of Acadiana – Father Programs — Free

Fatherhood and family support through faith-based community programs serving Lafayette and surrounding Acadiana parishes. Services may include parenting classes, financial counseling, food, and case management regardless of religious background. Call 337-261-5535 or visit 1408 Carmel Drive weekdays. Bring photo ID and income documentation for program intake and eligibility determination across available services.

337-261-5535 · 1408 Carmel Dr, Lafayette, LA 70501 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. YMCA of Greater New Orleans – Dad Programs — Free

Father-child activities, parenting workshops, and family programming at YMCA locations across the New Orleans area. Includes indoor activities, youth sports, and family events that build father involvement. Call 504-568-9622 or visit 936 St. Charles Avenue. Membership fees apply but financial assistance and scholarships are available for qualifying families. Ask about sliding-scale rates and drop-in programs at intake.

504-568-9622 · 936 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 · Mon-Fri 6am-9pm · Visit Website

12. Monroe City Head Start – Father Initiative — Free

Fatherhood engagement activities and family support integrated with Head Start early childhood programs in the Monroe area. Encourages fathers to participate in classroom visits, policy council, and parent events. Call 318-329-2559 weekdays. Enrollment in Head Start is income-based; fathers bring photo ID, child birth certificates, and income documentation for eligibility screening at the Monroe city office for family services.

318-329-2559 · Monroe, LA 71201 · Mon-Fri 8am-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.