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 North Dakota

8 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 North Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

8 Resources

1. North Dakota Fatherhood Initiative — Free

State-supported programs promoting responsible fatherhood across North Dakota through mentoring, parent education classes, and referrals to employment and co-parenting support. The Department of Human Services office in Bismarck is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 328-2310 for local class schedules. Services are free. Bring photo ID, a current address, and the children's names and ages when enrolling in a cohort.

(701) 328-2310 · 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — ND — Free

National nonprofit providing curricula, training, and research-based resources that fatherhood programs and individual dads across North Dakota can use to strengthen engagement with their children. Reach the headquarters Mon-Fri 9am-5pm at (301) 948-0599 or browse free guides at fatherhood.org. Many tools are free to download. Have your topic of interest, children's ages, and state of residence ready when you contact staff.

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

3. Spirit Lake Fatherhood Program — Free

Culturally responsive fatherhood initiative serving Native American dads enrolled at Spirit Lake Nation through parent education, mentoring, and cultural programming that centers tribal traditions. The Fort Totten office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 766-4404 to enroll. Services are free for tribal members and their families. Bring tribal ID, photo ID, and the children's names and ages when you sign up for a cohort.

(701) 766-4404 · Fort Totten, ND 58335 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Turtle Mountain Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Fatherhood program for Native American dads on the Turtle Mountain reservation offering parent education classes, peer mentoring, and cultural programming rooted in Chippewa traditions. The Belcourt office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 477-6451 to check current cohort openings. Services are free for tribal members. Bring tribal ID, photo ID, and the children's birth certificates when completing program intake paperwork.

(701) 477-6451 · Belcourt, ND 58316 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Three Affiliated Tribes — Family Services — Free

Fatherhood, parenting, and family support programs for enrolled members of the MHA Nation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara) across the Fort Berthold reservation. The New Town office on Frontage Road is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 627-4781 to schedule intake. Services are free for tribal members. Bring tribal ID, photo ID, and the children's birth certificates when enrolling in classes or case management.

(701) 627-4781 · 404 Frontage Rd, New Town, ND 58763 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Lutheran Social Services ND — Men's Support — Free

Fatherhood support, parenting education, and case management for men across North Dakota facing separation, re-entry, or unemployment challenges. The Fargo office on S 11th Street is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 235-7341 to ask about current programs. Most services are free; some counseling uses sliding-scale pricing. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and the children's names and ages when completing intake paperwork.

(701) 235-7341 · 1325 S 11th St, Fargo, ND 58103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Healthy Families America — ND Sites — Free

Voluntary home-visiting program supporting new and expecting fathers and families across North Dakota with parenting education, child-development screenings, and connections to health and basic-needs resources. Coordinated through the state Department of Human Services Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 328-2310. Free for families who qualify. Have a current address, your due date or children's ages, and a phone number for scheduling home visits.

(701) 328-2310 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Red River Valley — Free

One-to-one mentoring program matching children in the Red River Valley with screened adult volunteers, giving kids of single-father or single-mother households consistent positive role models. The S University Drive office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 235-4627 to enroll a child. Services are free for families. Bring photo ID, proof of address, and each child's birth certificate when completing enrollment paperwork.

(701) 235-4627 · 2609 S University Dr Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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.