Maryland Department of Human Services - Fatherhood

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.

More Fatherhood Programs in Maryland

• National Fatherhood Initiative (HQ - Maryland) — Headquartered in Germantown, NFI is the nation's leading provider of evidence-based fatherhood programs such as 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad, and
• All Pro Dad - Maryland Chapters — School-based fatherhood engagement program with chapters across Maryland where dads and kids meet monthly for breakfast, conversation prompt
• Center for Urban Families (Baltimore) — Baltimore nonprofit empowering fathers and families through workforce development, responsible fatherhood programs, family stability service
• Urban League of Greater Baltimore - Fatherhood — Provides fatherhood engagement, workforce development, and family strengthening programs for fathers in the Baltimore area. Combines job rea
• Healthy Families Maryland — Statewide voluntary home visiting program supporting new fathers and mothers with parenting skills, child development, and family strengthen
• Maryland Family Network - Father Engagement — Statewide nonprofit supporting early childhood and family engagement through Maryland's network of family support centers. Many affiliated c

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.