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 Tennessee

16 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 Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services, and West Tennessee Legal Services cover the state.

16 Resources

1. Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth - Fatherhood — Free

State agency promoting responsible fatherhood through coordination of community programs, parenting resources, and policy advocacy across Tennessee. Serves fathers, community organizations, and policymakers statewide. The commission does not typically provide direct services but connects fathers to local programs, grant-funded fatherhood initiatives, and Head Start partners. Fathers can call or email for referrals; having your county, child ages, and current needs in mind helps staff direct you.

615-741-2633 · 502 Deaderick St, Suite 1530, Nashville, TN 37243 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading national nonprofit providing evidence-based fatherhood skill-building programs such as 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad, delivered by Tennessee community organizations, corrections programs, and Head Start partners. Serves fathers in all life stages. Fathers do not enroll with NFI directly; they participate through a local partner agency. Call or search the website for a nearby program site, then bring photo ID and basic contact information to the first session.

301-948-0599 · National (programs delivered at TN partner sites) · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. All Pro Dad - Tennessee Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters across Tennessee where dads and kids meet monthly for breakfast, discussion, and relationship-building activities. Serves fathers, grandfathers, and father figures of K-12 students. Families sign up through their school's chapter; no income verification, photo ID, or registration fee is typically required to attend, though schools may ask visitors to check in through the main office in line with campus visitor policies.

Multiple TN school locations (search by ZIP) · Monthly meetings — check local chapter · Visit Website

4. Urban League of Greater Chattanooga - Fatherhood — Free

Provides fatherhood engagement, parenting education, and workforce development programs for fathers in the Chattanooga area. Serves fathers navigating employment, custody, and child support challenges in Hamilton County. Intake is by phone or in person; participants should bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of address, and any child support, custody, or employment documents relevant to their goals. Most programs are free for qualifying residents.

423-756-1762 · 730 E Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

5. Urban League of Greater Knoxville - Fatherhood — Free

Provides fatherhood engagement and family strengthening programs for fathers in the Knoxville area, including workforce development, mentoring, and parenting education. Serves fathers in Knox County and surrounding East Tennessee. Intake is by phone or in person; participants should bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of address, and any child support, custody, or employment-related documents relevant to their goals. Most programs are free for qualifying residents.

865-524-5511 · 1514 E Fifth Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

6. Memphis Urban League - Family Strengthening — Free

Community development organization serving Memphis with family engagement programs, workforce development, and fatherhood support services. Serves fathers in Shelby County navigating employment, custody, and child support. Intake is by phone or in person; participants should bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of address, and any child support, custody, or employment-related documents relevant to their goals. Most programs are free for qualifying residents.

901-272-2491 · 315 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

7. Nashville CABLE - Father Engagement — Free

Nashville nonprofit empowering fathers through career development, parenting education, financial literacy, and community engagement programs. Serves fathers in Davidson County working to stabilize employment, strengthen relationships with their children, and manage child support obligations. Intake is by phone or in person; participants should bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any child support, custody, or employment documents relevant to their goals. Most programs are free.

615-242-7351 · 440 Allied Dr, Nashville, TN 37211 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee — Free

Mentoring organization matching adult volunteers with children in Nashville and Middle Tennessee through community-based and school-based programs. Serves youth ages 6-18 and their families, with emphasis on children of incarcerated or absent parents. Parents or guardians enroll a child by completing an application and interview; photo ID, proof of residence, child birth certificate, and a brief family history are typically requested. Services are free for enrolled families.

615-329-9191 · 37 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee — Free

Mentoring organization serving Knoxville and East Tennessee, matching adult volunteer mentors with youth through community-based and school-based programs. Serves youth ages 6-18 and their families, with emphasis on children in single-parent households or facing other adversity. Parents enroll a child by completing an application and interview; photo ID, proof of residence, child birth certificate, and a brief family history are typically requested. Services are free for enrolled families.

865-523-2179 · 418 Clinch Ave, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37902 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. WATCH D.O.G.S. - Tennessee Schools — Free

Fathers, grandfathers, and father figures volunteering in participating Tennessee schools to provide positive male role models and extra on-campus support. Serves K-12 school communities statewide. Interested dads sign up through the local school coordinator; most districts require completion of a volunteer application, a background check, and adherence to campus visitor and child-safety policies. Volunteer shifts and activities vary by school and grade level.

Participating Tennessee schools statewide · School day hours · Visit Website

11. Tennessee Department of Children's Services - Family Programs — Free

State agency offering parenting support, family engagement, reunification, and father involvement initiatives for families with open DCS cases or those seeking prevention services. Serves families statewide. Parents with an active case should work through their assigned DCS case manager; those seeking voluntary services can call the main line for a referral. Bringing photo ID, case numbers, and any court or service-plan documents helps DCS staff route inquiries efficiently.

615-741-9701 · 315 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee — Free

Youth development programs across Nashville and Middle Tennessee providing after-school programs, mentoring, academic support, and family engagement for children ages 6-18. Serves families in Davidson and surrounding counties. Parents enroll a child at the nearest club and typically provide photo ID, proof of residence, child birth certificate, emergency contacts, and immunization records. Membership fees are low-cost and scholarships are often available for qualifying families.

615-254-1501 · Multiple Middle Tennessee locations · After school hours; Mon-Fri · Visit Website

13. Tennessee Head Start - Father Involvement — Free

Head Start programs across Tennessee include dedicated father engagement initiatives with monthly activities, parenting workshops, and dad-child events that complement early childhood education. Serves fathers and father figures of enrolled Head Start children (ages 0-5) statewide. Fathers join through their child's local Head Start center; enrollment for the child typically requires photo ID, proof of income, proof of residence, and child birth certificate and immunization records.

Head Start centers statewide · Varies by program · Visit Website

14. FatherSource - National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Online hub with free downloadable fatherhood skill-building resources, parenting tips, printable activities, and tools for engaged fathers operated by the National Fatherhood Initiative. Serves fathers, program facilitators, and community organizations nationwide. Users can browse or download resources without creating an account; some premium curricula require registration or purchase. Tennessee fathers can use materials for self-study or bring them to a local community program.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

15. Chattanooga Youth & Family Development — Free

Community programs in Chattanooga supporting fathers through workforce development, parenting education, and youth mentoring partnerships in collaboration with the Urban League and other local organizations. Serves fathers in Hamilton County and surrounding areas. Intake is by phone or in person; participants should bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of address, and any child support, custody, or employment documents relevant to their goals. Most programs are free.

423-756-1762 · 730 E Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

16. 100 Black Men of Memphis — Free

Memphis chapter of 100 Black Men mentoring African American youth through one-on-one mentoring, health and wellness, education, and economic empowerment programs that often involve fathers and father figures. Serves youth and families in Shelby County. Parents enroll a child through the chapter's mentoring program; photo ID, proof of residence, child birth certificate, and school contact information are typically requested. Programs are free for qualifying families.

901-312-4252 · Memphis, TN · Program hours vary

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.