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 Missouri

16 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 Missouri

Missouri circuit courts hear family matters through family court divisions in each of its 45 judicial circuits. The Family Support Division runs child support enforcement under DSS. Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia are the largest metros. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, and Mid-Missouri Legal Services cover the state.

16 Resources

1. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading national nonprofit providing fatherhood skill-building programs like 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad, active through Missouri community organizations, reentry programs, and Head Start sites. Dads can find local program offerings by contacting Missouri partner agencies or community centers. Curriculum materials and facilitator training are also available. The national office answers questions Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with online resources around the clock.

301-948-0599 · National (programs delivered at MO partner sites) · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. All Pro Dad - Missouri Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters across Missouri where dads and kids meet monthly for breakfast and relationship-building activities tied to their child's school community. Fathers can locate or start a chapter at their child's school through the national website. Meetings are free and open to dads, granddads, and father figures. Schedules are set by individual school chapters; search by ZIP code to find the nearest group.

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

3. Urban League of Greater Kansas City - Fatherhood — Free

Provides fatherhood engagement, workforce development, and family strengthening programs for fathers in the Kansas City metro, including job training, parenting classes, and case management. Dads can apply for services by phone or in person at the Armour Boulevard office. Bring photo ID and any court orders related to custody or child support to intake. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

816-471-0550 · 1401 E Armour Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64109 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis - Fatherhood — Free

Serves St. Louis-area fathers with family engagement, workforce development, parenting education, and community support programs aimed at strengthening families. Dads can enroll by phone or in person at the Grandel Square office. Bring photo ID and any court paperwork related to custody or support to intake. Programs are free for qualifying participants. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

314-615-3600 · 3701 Grandel Sq, St. Louis, MO 63108 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Fathers' Support Center St. Louis — Free

St. Louis nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families by helping fathers become responsible parents through employment training, parenting classes, case management, and child support navigation assistance. Dads can enroll by phone or walk in to the Locust Street office. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and documentation of income or child support obligations to intake. Services are free and run Monday through Friday during business hours.

314-333-4170 · 2715 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Kansas City Full Employment Council - Father Engagement — Free

Workforce development organization serving Kansas City fathers with job training, career services, and family support programs designed to improve employment outcomes for dads. Fathers can enroll by phone or walk into the Paseo Boulevard office. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any resumes or work history to intake. Services are free for qualifying participants and operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

816-471-2330 · 1740 Paseo Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Parents as Teachers - Missouri — Free

Missouri-founded home visiting program supporting parents including fathers from pregnancy through kindergarten with parenting education, child development screenings, and resources. Dads can enroll their families by contacting the state office or their local school district's PAT program. Home visits are free for participating families. The St. Louis office handles statewide inquiries Monday through Friday during standard business hours with extensive online resources.

314-432-4330 · 2228 Ball Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri — Free

Mentoring program matching adult volunteers with children in the St. Louis area, providing positive male role models and father-figure relationships for kids who could benefit from additional support. Dads raising children alone can enroll them as Littles, and men can also apply to volunteer as Bigs. Background checks are required for volunteers. The Schiller Avenue office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

314-361-5900 · 2347 Schiller Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City — Free

Mentoring organization connecting children in the Kansas City metro with positive adult mentors including father-figure programs for boys without a consistent male role model in their lives. Dads raising kids alone can enroll children as Littles; men can also volunteer as Bigs after a background check. The Walnut Street office handles enrollment and volunteer applications Monday through Friday during standard business hours and accepts online applications.

816-561-2227 · 1709 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64108 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Family Forward (St. Louis) — Free

St. Louis nonprofit providing parent education, family support, and fatherhood engagement programs to strengthen Missouri families, including therapy, foster care support, and early childhood services. Dads can inquire about programs by phone or through the Olive Boulevard office in Olivette. Many services are free for qualifying families; others use sliding-scale fees. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

314-968-2350 · 9378 Olive Blvd, Suite 315, Olivette, MO 63132 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City — Free

Youth development organization with multiple Kansas City locations providing after-school programs, mentoring, and family engagement activities that help working fathers keep kids in safe, enriching environments. Low-cost or free memberships are available based on family income. Dads can enroll children by visiting any club location during after-school hours. Bring photo ID and proof of the child's address at enrollment. Services follow the school-year calendar.

816-561-5100 · Multiple Kansas City locations · Mon-Fri after school hours

12. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis — Free

Youth development organization with St. Louis-area locations offering after-school programs, mentoring, and family engagement opportunities for kids ages 6 to 18. Low-cost or free memberships are available based on family income. Dads can enroll their children at any neighborhood club during after-school hours. Bring photo ID and proof of the child's address at enrollment. Programs follow the school-year calendar with summer camps available.

314-335-8000 · Multiple St. Louis locations · Mon-Fri after school hours · Visit Website

13. Missouri Head Start - Father Engagement — Free

Head Start programs across Missouri include father engagement initiatives with dad-focused activities, parenting workshops, and family events designed to support fathers of children ages 0 to 5 in low-income families. Dads can enroll children at their local Head Start center and participate in family events. Programs are free for qualifying families. Schedules and activities vary by center; check the state Head Start directory for local program details.

Programs statewide · Varies by program · Visit Website

14. Don Bosco Community Center (Kansas City) — Free

Kansas City community center providing family strengthening programs, youth development, and fatherhood engagement for the Westside community, including English classes, senior services, and youth programs. Dads can enroll their families by visiting the Campbell Street center. Many programs are free or low-cost for qualifying participants. The center operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours and serves a diverse immigrant and working-class community.

816-691-2900 · 526 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Good Dads (Springfield) — Free

Springfield-based nonprofit equipping fathers with skills and support through classes, mentoring, and community events across southwest Missouri, with curriculum focused on father engagement and healthy relationships. Dads can enroll in classes or events by phone or online. Programs are typically free for participants. The Dale Street office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours and hosts regular father-focused workshops and community gatherings.

417-501-8867 · 1518 E Dale St, Springfield, MO 65803 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Fatherhood FIRE Program - Missouri — Free

Federal Fatherhood FIRE program providing parenting classes, job training, and relationship skills to Missouri dads through community partner organizations funded by federal grants. Fathers can enroll through participating Missouri agencies. Services are typically free for qualifying participants. Schedules, class formats, and locations vary by provider; check the National Fatherhood Initiative website for current Missouri FIRE partners and local enrollment details.

Available through MO partner organizations · Varies by provider · 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.