YMCA of Greater New Orleans – Dad Programs

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.

More Fatherhood Programs in Louisiana

• Total Community Action – Father Engagement — Fatherhood programs, parenting education, and family support services for New Orleans area fathers through Total Community Action's communit
• Urban League of Louisiana – Fatherhood — Father engagement programs including parenting education, job readiness, financial literacy, and community mentorship for New Orleans area f
• National Fatherhood Initiative – LA Partners — National organization providing evidence-based fatherhood curricula and program support implemented by Louisiana community partners, nonprof
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana – Dads — Programs promoting father and male caregiver involvement in children's after-school activities, mentoring, and youth development at Boys & G
• Big Buddy Program – Baton Rouge — Mentoring program pairing vetted adult male mentors with at-risk youth in the Baton Rouge area, supporting father-figure engagement and posi
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Louisiana — Mentoring programs pairing vetted adult mentors including fathers and male role models with youth across Louisiana. Community-based and site

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.