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 Oregon

17 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 Oregon

Oregon circuit courts handle family law in each of its 27 judicial districts. The Division of Child Support operates under the Department of Justice. Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, and Hillsboro are the largest metros. Legal Aid Services of Oregon is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid organization statewide.

17 Resources

1. Oregon Fatherhood Project — Free

Statewide initiative through the Oregon Department of Human Services supporting responsible fatherhood, father engagement, and healthy co-parenting across Oregon. Programs connect fathers with parenting classes, peer groups, and child welfare navigation. Call 503-945-5600 on weekdays or visit oregon.gov/dhs for referrals. Services are typically free. Fathers may be asked to share basic demographic information and their county of residence to be matched with a local provider.

503-945-5600 · 500 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Self Enhancement Inc. – Father Programs — Free

North Portland nonprofit serving the African American community with culturally specific father engagement, youth mentoring, and family support programs. Fathers can access parenting workshops, peer groups, and case management. Call 503-249-1721 during weekday business hours or visit selfenhancement.org to learn more. Services are free for qualifying families; bring photo ID and basic family information for enrollment in ongoing programs.

503-249-1721 · 3920 N Kerby Ave, Portland, OR 97227 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

3. Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center — Free

Portland nonprofit providing fatherhood, workforce, and youth development programs for underserved communities across the metro area. Programs include job training, parenting classes, and case management. Call 503-788-8680 on weekdays or visit portlandoic.org to inquire about openings. Services are typically free for eligible participants; bring photo ID, proof of income if requested, and any relevant school or employment history when enrolling.

503-788-8680 · 4529 NE Cully Blvd, Portland, OR 97218 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. National Fatherhood Initiative – OR Partners — Free

National nonprofit whose evidence-based fatherhood curricula, such as 24/7 Dad, are delivered through partner agencies across Oregon, including Head Start centers, community-based organizations, and corrections programs. Call 301-948-0599 during weekday business hours or visit fatherhood.org to find a local Oregon partner. Classes are generally free for participants. Enrollment steps vary by provider; have a phone number where staff can reach you back.

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

5. Relief Nursery – Eugene Fatherhood — Free

Eugene-based nonprofit serving Lane County families with therapeutic early childhood programs, home visits, and father engagement groups for families at risk of child abuse or neglect. Call 541-343-9706 during weekday business hours or visit reliefnursery.org to request services. Programs are free for qualifying families. Fathers can expect an intake meeting where staff discuss their goals, children's needs, and available classes before enrollment.

541-343-9706 · 1720 W 25th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. YMCA of Columbia-Willamette – Father Programs — Free

YMCA branches across the Portland metro area host father-child bonding activities, parenting workshops, and family events. Program schedules vary by branch. Call 503-294-3311 during branch hours or visit ymcacw.org to find events near you. Some programs are free and others require a membership or fee. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families; bring photo ID and proof of household income when requesting a scholarship.

503-294-3311 · 831 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

7. Clackamas County Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Clackamas County social services program offering father engagement, parenting support, and case management for families in the Oregon City and surrounding areas. Call 503-655-8640 during weekday business hours or visit clackamas.us/socialservices for details. Services are typically free for qualifying residents. Intake usually involves completing a short application, showing photo ID, and discussing the family's goals and current situation with a staff member.

503-655-8640 · 2051 Kaen Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Latino Network – Father Engagement — Free

Portland-based Latino Network provides culturally specific and bilingual fatherhood programs, parenting classes, and family engagement services for Latino families across the metro area. Call 503-283-6881 during weekday business hours or visit latnet.org to enroll. Programs are generally free. Participants can expect intake conversations in Spanish or English, and may be asked for basic information about their children, household, and goals as fathers.

503-283-6881 · 410 NE 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland – Dads — Free

Portland-area Boys & Girls Clubs offer after-school and family engagement programs that promote father involvement in children's academic and social development. Call 503-853-4380 during after-school hours or visit bgcportland.org for membership and program details. Youth membership fees are modest, and scholarships are available. Fathers can volunteer, attend family nights, and participate in parent engagement events after a basic registration process.

503-853-4380 · 5609 SE Duke St, Portland, OR 97206 · Mon-Fri after school · Visit Website

10. IRCO – Fatherhood Programs — Free

Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization in east Portland offers culturally specific fatherhood, parenting, and family engagement programs for immigrant and refugee fathers, with staff who speak many languages. Call 503-234-1541 during weekday business hours or visit irco.org to request services. Programs are typically free for eligible participants. Be prepared to share household information, country of origin, and primary language during intake.

503-234-1541 · 10301 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97220 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Fathers Group – Morrison Child & Family — Free

Portland's Morrison Child & Family Services runs fathers groups and parenting support as part of broader behavioral health programming for children and families. Call 503-258-4200 during weekday business hours or visit morrisonkids.org for enrollment details. Most services are free or covered by insurance. Fathers can expect an intake interview where staff discuss goals, children's needs, and whether groups or individual services are the best fit.

503-258-4200 · 5225 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Native American Youth & Family Center – Dads — Free

NAYA Family Center in northeast Portland offers culturally grounded fatherhood programs and family support services for Native American families in the Portland metro area. Call 503-288-8177 during weekday business hours or visit nayapdx.org to learn about current groups. Programs are typically free for enrolled families. Fathers can expect an intake conversation about their goals, their children's ages, and any existing case involvement with child welfare.

503-288-8177 · 5135 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97218 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Head Start Fatherhood Engagement – Oregon — Free

Head Start programs across Oregon include father engagement activities, home visits, and parenting workshops for families with young children enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start. Call 866-763-6481 to find the nearest center. Programs are free for income-eligible families. Families typically provide proof of income, child's birth certificate, and immunization records during enrollment, and fathers are invited to participate at any point after the child starts.

866-763-6481 · Mon-Fri varies

14. Parenting Now! – Eugene — Free

Lane County nonprofit in Eugene offering parenting classes, home visits, and family support programs, including father-focused groups and parenting workshops. Call 541-484-5316 during weekday business hours or visit parentingnow.org to browse classes and enroll. Many programs are free for income-eligible families. Participants can expect a short intake form and a conversation about their children's ages, goals, and scheduling needs before joining a class.

541-484-5316 · 1250 Lincoln St, Eugene, OR 97401 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Foundations for a Better Oregon — Free

Portland-based policy and advocacy organization supporting equitable education, family well-being, and cross-generational wealth for Oregon children and families, including fathers. Call 503-219-9034 during weekday business hours or visit betteroregon.org for research and community engagement resources. The organization does not provide direct services but publishes reports and connects community leaders with state partners shaping family policy in Oregon.

503-219-9034 · 1020 SW Taylor St #460, Portland, OR 97205 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia NW — Free

Portland-area mentoring nonprofit that pairs fathers, father figures, and other adult volunteers with children and teens in need of positive role models. Serves communities across northwest Oregon. Call 503-249-4859 during weekday business hours to volunteer or enroll a child. Services are free for families. Adults complete an application, background check, and interview before being matched; families share basic information about their child's interests and needs.

503-249-4859 · 4370 NE Halsey St #250, Portland, OR 97213 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

17. Oregon DHS – Fatherhood Engagement — Free

Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare supports father involvement in child welfare and foster care cases, including locating noncustodial fathers, visitation planning, and connecting fathers with parenting services. Call 503-945-5600 on weekdays or visit oregon.gov/dhs/children for statewide information. Services are free for families involved with child welfare. Fathers may be asked to provide photo ID, existing court orders, and any case documents they have received.

503-945-5600 · 500 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri 8am-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.