Fatherhood Programs in Maryland

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 Maryland

Maryland circuit courts handle family law in each of its 24 jurisdictions, with magistrates hearing many child support and custody matters. The Child Support Administration operates under the Department of Human Services. Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Rockville anchor the population. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provide civil legal representation.

14 Resources

1. Maryland Department of Human Services - Fatherhood — Free

State agency coordinating Maryland's responsible fatherhood initiatives, connecting fathers statewide with parenting classes, employment support, child support navigation, and family strengthening resources. Partners with local Departments of Social Services and community-based providers in all 24 jurisdictions. Fathers can call or visit their local DSS office for referrals; bring photo ID and, if applicable, any child support or custody paperwork. Services are generally free for Maryland residents.

410-767-7109 · 311 W Saratoga St, Baltimore, MD 21201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative (HQ - Maryland) — Free

Headquartered in Germantown, NFI is the nation's leading provider of evidence-based fatherhood programs such as 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad, and Understanding Dad, which are widely used by Maryland community organizations, correctional facilities, and faith-based providers. NFI trains facilitators rather than serving fathers directly; individual dads can use the Program Locator on fatherhood.org to find a local Maryland program. Resources and articles on the site are free and publicly available.

301-948-0599 · 12410 Milestone Center Dr, Suite 600, Germantown, MD 20876 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. All Pro Dad - Maryland Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood engagement program with chapters across Maryland where dads and kids meet monthly for breakfast, conversation prompts, and relationship-building activities. Free for participating families; meetings are hosted at local schools and coordinated by volunteer parent leaders. Fathers can enter a ZIP code on the All Pro Dad website to find a nearby Maryland chapter or contact their child's school about starting one. No formal application is required to attend monthly meetings.

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

4. Center for Urban Families (Baltimore) — Free

Baltimore nonprofit empowering fathers and families through workforce development, responsible fatherhood programs, family stability services, and policy advocacy. Operates cohort-based programs combining job training, parenting education, and case management for low-income Baltimore-area fathers. Participants typically commit to a multi-week program with free services including transportation support. Intake is by phone or in-person; bring photo ID and any child support or court paperwork if relevant.

410-367-5691 · 2201 N Monroe St, Baltimore, MD 21217 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Urban League of Greater Baltimore - Fatherhood — Free

Provides fatherhood engagement, workforce development, and family strengthening programs for fathers in the Baltimore area. Combines job readiness, parenting education, and case management to help dads improve employment, navigate child support, and strengthen relationships with their children. Services are free for income-eligible Baltimore-area fathers. Intake is typically by phone or in person; bring photo ID, any child support paperwork, and a resume if available to begin the program.

410-523-8150 · 512 Orchard St, Baltimore, MD 21201 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

6. Healthy Families Maryland — Free

Statewide voluntary home visiting program supporting new fathers and mothers with parenting skills, child development, and family strengthening from prenatal through age five. Trained home visitors meet with families at home in communities across Maryland, with services delivered by local partner agencies. Free for participating families; enrollment is typically during pregnancy or shortly after birth through a referral from a doctor, hospital, or local agency. Parents can also self-refer.

410-767-6713 · Programs statewide through local agencies · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Maryland Family Network - Father Engagement — Free

Statewide nonprofit supporting early childhood and family engagement through Maryland's network of family support centers. Many affiliated centers include father engagement components with parenting classes, peer groups, and family activities. Services are free and open to any Maryland parent with young children. Families can visit the organization's website to find the nearest family support center and call directly for enrollment; bring photo ID and any available child documentation.

410-659-7701 · 1001 Eastern Ave, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Baltimore City Healthy Start - Father Involvement — Free

Father involvement component of Baltimore's Healthy Start program, supporting new dads with parenting education, home visits, peer groups, and connections to employment and benefits. Serves expectant and new fathers in targeted Baltimore City neighborhoods, often alongside the mother's Healthy Start enrollment. Services are free and typically enrolled by referral from the mother's program or community providers. Bring photo ID and, if available, documentation like a birth certificate or pregnancy verification.

410-396-3623 · 1001 E Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21202 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. STRIVE Baltimore - Fatherhood Track — Free

Baltimore workforce development program with a dedicated fatherhood track that combines intensive job readiness training, parenting skills, financial literacy, and case management. Cohort-based and typically free for income-eligible Baltimore-area fathers. Participants commit to a multi-week program and receive job placement support after graduation. Intake is by phone or walk-in; bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any child support paperwork or resume if available.

410-327-2610 · 2502 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

10. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake — Free

Youth mentoring program matching adult volunteers with children ages 6-17 across the Baltimore-Washington region, with ongoing recruitment of male mentors to serve kids who have requested a Big Brother. Free for families; mentor and child are matched based on interests and location, and typically meet a few times a month. Families apply online or by phone and complete an intake interview. Mentors undergo background checks and training before being matched with a Little.

410-243-4000 · 3600 Clipper Mill Rd, Suite 250, Baltimore, MD 21211 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

11. National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse — Free

Federal resource funded by the Office of Family Assistance providing free toolkits, tip sheets, webinars, and information for fathers and fatherhood practitioners nationwide including Maryland. The Dad Hub offers practical guidance on co-parenting, child support, incarceration reentry, and engaging with schools. A program locator lets Maryland dads find a nearby responsible fatherhood program funded through federal grants. All resources on the site are free to access.

1-877-432-3411 · National resource · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm ET · Visit Website

12. Dads of Great Students (DOGS) - Maryland Chapters — Free

School-based program engaging fathers and father figures as volunteers in their children's K-12 education through greetings at the door, hallway supervision, classroom support, and community-building activities at Maryland schools. Free for participating dads; chapters are run by schools and volunteer coordinators. Fathers sign up through their child's school and typically complete a background check before volunteering. Schools interested in starting a chapter can contact Watch D.O.G.S. for startup materials.

Multiple MD school locations · Varies by school

13. Family Tree (Baltimore) — Free

Baltimore nonprofit providing family support services including parent education, in-home visiting, child abuse prevention, and father engagement programs. Offers the Parents Anonymous support group statewide and classes in positive parenting. Most services are free for eligible Maryland families, funded through state and foundation grants. Intake is by phone; bring photo ID and any documentation related to the referral such as child welfare paperwork or a Department of Social Services letter.

410-889-2300 · 2108 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Concerned Black Men of Maryland — Free

Mentoring organization pairing adult male mentors with youth in Baltimore and Prince George's County through academic support, life skills, and community service programs. Volunteer mentors complete a background check and training; youth are typically referred through schools, churches, or family members. Programs are free for participating families and are offered after school, on weekends, and in summer enrichment formats. Contact the local chapter for information on enrolling a child or becoming a mentor.

202-783-6119 · Baltimore and PG County chapters · Varies by program

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.