Head Start Fatherhood Engagement – Oregon

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.

More Fatherhood Programs in Oregon

• Oregon Fatherhood Project — Statewide initiative through the Oregon Department of Human Services supporting responsible fatherhood, father engagement, and healthy co-pa
• Self Enhancement Inc. – Father Programs — North Portland nonprofit serving the African American community with culturally specific father engagement, youth mentoring, and family supp
• Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center — Portland nonprofit providing fatherhood, workforce, and youth development programs for underserved communities across the metro area. Progra
• National Fatherhood Initiative – OR Partners — National nonprofit whose evidence-based fatherhood curricula, such as 24/7 Dad, are delivered through partner agencies across Oregon, includ
• Relief Nursery – Eugene Fatherhood — Eugene-based nonprofit serving Lane County families with therapeutic early childhood programs, home visits, and father engagement groups for
• YMCA of Columbia-Willamette – Father Programs — YMCA branches across the Portland metro area host father-child bonding activities, parenting workshops, and family events. Program schedules

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.