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 New York

18 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 New York

New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, New York Legal Assistance Group, and Legal Services NYC provide substantial family law aid.

18 Resources

1. NYC DYCD — Fatherhood Initiative — Free

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development fatherhood program. Helps fathers 18+ reconnect with children, develop parenting skills, and access job and education assistance. Up to 6 months of case management available. Call (800) 246-4646 or visit nyc.gov/site/dycd. Programs available in all five boroughs. Free for qualifying NYC resident fathers. Services include legal navigation, employment, and co-parenting support.

(800) 246-4646 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

2. NYC Children's Cabinet — Fatherhood Initiative — Free

NYC interagency initiative promoting father engagement across city agencies and community organizations. Connects fathers with services for custody navigation, co-parenting support, employment, housing, and childcare assistance. Call (800) 246-4646 or visit nyc.gov for program referrals. The initiative coordinates across DYCD, HRA, ACS, and other agencies to provide wraparound services for fathers citywide.

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

3. Good+ Foundation — NYC Fatherhood Program — Free

NYC-based nonprofit donating essential baby and child items including cribs, diapers, strollers, and clothing to fathers enrolled in partner fatherhood programs. Partners with 35+ community organizations across NYC. Has served 35,000+ fathers since 2010. Contact your fatherhood program case manager to request a referral. Located at 306 West 37th Street, 8th Floor, New York. Free for qualifying participants.

306 West 37th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10018 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

4. SCO Family of Services — Fathers' Program (Brooklyn) — Free

Award-winning Brooklyn fatherhood program serving Brownsville, Bed-Stuy, and East New York. Free parenting classes, counseling, case management, legal aid referrals, and employment services for fathers 18+. Call (917) 966-4620 Mon–Fri for intake. Serves fathers involved with child welfare, Family Court, or those simply seeking to strengthen their parenting skills and family connections.

(917) 966-4620 · Mon–Fri, call for hours · Visit Website

5. NY State OCFS — Fatherhood Engagement Program — Free

New York State Office of Children and Family Services fatherhood initiative promoting responsible fatherhood and father engagement across all regions of NY. Links to local program providers statewide at ocfs.ny.gov/programs/fatherhood. Funded programs offer parenting education, employment assistance, custody navigation, and peer support. Use the site to locate a state-funded fatherhood program in your county.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

6. ACS Fatherhood Resource Guide — NYC (2025) — Free

NYC Administration for Children's Services comprehensive guide to fatherhood resources across all five boroughs, covering legal assistance, employment programs, parenting education, housing support, and mental health services. Download the 2025 PDF at nyc.gov/assets/acs. Ideal for fathers involved with ACS or the child welfare system who need a starting point for finding services in their borough.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

7. National Fatherhood Initiative — Resources — Free

National organization providing evidence-based fatherhood curricula used by NY programs and school districts. Use the 24/7 online Find a Program tool at fatherhood.org to locate fatherhood programs near you anywhere in NY. Resources include parenting guides, co-parenting tools, and program curricula. Call (301) 948-0599 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Free guides available to download without registration.

(301) 948-0599 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

8. Head Start — Father Engagement (NY Region 2) — Free

Federal Head Start programs across New York State actively engage fathers and male caregivers in children's early learning and development. Programs offer father-specific workshops, home visits, and parenting activities. Find your local Head Start program at region2headstart.org/new-york. Programs are free for income-qualifying families. Father engagement coordinators at each site can connect you to additional community resources.

Varies by location · Visit Website

9. Fathers Forward — NY Programs — Free

Statewide fatherhood support organization offering case management, parenting workshops, co-parenting support, and legal navigation for NY fathers. Specializes in serving fathers involved with the child welfare system and Family Court. Programs available in multiple NY counties. Visit fathersforward.org to find a program near you or call Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Services are free for qualifying participants.

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

10. Osborne Association — FamilyWorks (NYC) — Free

Serves families affected by incarceration. Fatherhood programs in NYC and Newburgh including parenting classes, case management, and family reunification services for formerly incarcerated dads. Located at 175 Remsen St., Suite 800, Brooklyn. Call (718) 637-6560 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Free services for qualifying participants. Osborne also provides reentry housing, employment, and education support.

(718) 637-6560 · 175 Remsen St., Suite 800, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

11. All Pro Dad — New York School Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood chapters where dads and other male mentors meet with children for monthly breakfast meetings and activities during the school year. Active NY chapters across NYC and suburban areas. Free to join — check the website for a chapter at your child's school or learn how to start one. Chapters meet on school grounds with no cost to participants. Find NY locations at allprodadchapters.com.

School-based chapters statewide · Varies by school chapter · Visit Website

12. Boot Camp for New Dads — New York — Free

Father-to-father peer workshops held at hospitals where experienced dads coach new and expectant fathers on caring for newborns. Sessions cover holding, feeding, soothing, and bonding with your baby. Available at NYC and suburban hospital sites. Free to attend. Check bootcampfornewdads.org for session schedules near you. Partners and doulas also welcome. Workshops typically run 2–3 hours.

Hospital-based workshops · Check website for sessions · Visit Website

13. Nurse-Family Partnership — New York — Free

Evidence-based home visiting program for first-time low-income parents. Registered nurses visit from pregnancy through the child's second birthday. Active in NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, and other NY communities. Call (866) 864-5226 or visit nursefamilypartnership.org to find a NY site. Free for qualifying first-time mothers and fathers. Visits cover prenatal health, child development, and parenting skills.

(866) 864-5226 · Multiple NY sites · By appointment · Visit Website

14. Parents as Teachers — New York Affiliates — Free

Evidence-based home visiting program supporting families from pregnancy through kindergarten with certified parent educators. Multiple NY affiliates provide free visits across the state. Educators cover child development, positive parenting strategies, and school readiness. Call (866) 728-4968 or visit parentsasteachers.org to find a NY affiliate near you. Services are free for qualifying families at most sites.

(866) 728-4968 · Multiple NY affiliates · By appointment · Visit Website

15. Fatherhood.gov — NY Program Finder — Free

Federal government's searchable map of federally-funded fatherhood programs across New York State. Find programs offering parenting education, co-parenting support, employment assistance, and family strengthening services. Free to search at fatherhood.gov. Also includes downloadable parenting guides and co-parenting resources for fathers. Call (877) 432-3411 for additional assistance locating a program near you.

(877) 432-3411 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

16. Graham Windham — Fatherhood Services (NYC) — Free

NYC child welfare nonprofit providing fatherhood engagement, parent education, and family strengthening services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Harlem. Programs help fathers build parenting skills, navigate the child welfare system, and strengthen family relationships. Call (212) 529-6445 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Located at 33 Irving Place, Manhattan. Free for families involved with NYC ACS or the Family Court system.

(212) 529-6445 · 33 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

17. Community Voices Heard — Fatherhood Initiative (Harlem) — Free

Community organizing and fatherhood support for low-income fathers in Harlem and Upper Manhattan. Programs include leadership development, civic advocacy, and peer support groups. Located at 115 E 106th St., New York. Call (212) 860-6001 Mon–Fri 10am–6pm. Fathers gain practical skills and community connections. Free programs for qualifying participants. Focus on economic justice and family stability.

(212) 860-6001 · 115 E 106th St., New York, NY 10029 · Mon–Fri 10am–6pm · Visit Website

18. Bronxworks — Fatherhood Program — Free

Comprehensive fatherhood services in the Bronx including parenting education workshops, job readiness training, financial literacy classes, and one-on-one case management. Located at 60 E. Tremont Ave., Bronx. Call (646) 393-4000 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm to enroll. Programs are free for qualifying participants. Bronxworks also offers housing, food, and senior services across multiple Bronx community sites.

(646) 393-4000 · 60 E. Tremont Ave., Bronx, NY 10453 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · 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.