MSU Extension – Father Engagement

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 Montana

Montana district courts handle family matters in each of its 56 counties across 22 judicial districts. The Child Support Services Division operates under DPHHS. Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman are the largest cities. Montana Legal Services Association is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with extensive online self-help for pro se litigants.

More Fatherhood Programs in Montana

• National Fatherhood Initiative – MT Partners — Evidence-based fatherhood curriculum and resources distributed through local Montana partners such as schools, community agencies, and triba
• YMCA of Billings – Father Programs — Father-child activities, family swim times, youth sports leagues, and workshops at the Billings YMCA supporting dad involvement in kids' liv
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Montana – Dads — Boys & Girls Clubs in Great Falls and other Montana cities offer after-school and summer programs promoting father involvement through famil
• Human Resource Development Council – Fatherhood — HRDC in Bozeman supports Gallatin-area fathers through family support programs, housing help, food assistance, Head Start, and parenting res
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montana — Nonprofit mentoring organization matching Montana children — especially those being raised by a single parent — with carefully screened adul
• Blackfeet Nation – Fatherhood Initiative — Culturally based fatherhood program for Blackfeet tribal members in Browning and the surrounding Blackfeet Reservation, blending parenting e

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.