Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Red River Valley

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.

More Fatherhood Programs in North Dakota

• North Dakota Fatherhood Initiative — State-supported programs promoting responsible fatherhood across North Dakota through mentoring, parent education classes, and referrals to
• National Fatherhood Initiative — ND — National nonprofit providing curricula, training, and research-based resources that fatherhood programs and individual dads across North Dak
• Spirit Lake Fatherhood Program — Culturally responsive fatherhood initiative serving Native American dads enrolled at Spirit Lake Nation through parent education, mentoring,
• Turtle Mountain Fatherhood Initiative — Fatherhood program for Native American dads on the Turtle Mountain reservation offering parent education classes, peer mentoring, and cultur
• Three Affiliated Tribes — Family Services — Fatherhood, parenting, and family support programs for enrolled members of the MHA Nation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara) across the Fort Ber
• Lutheran Social Services ND — Men's Support — Fatherhood support, parenting education, and case management for men across North Dakota facing separation, re-entry, or unemployment challe

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.