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 Texas

18 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 Texas

Texas district courts hear family matters across its 254 counties, with many urban counties operating dedicated family courts. The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division runs enforcement statewide. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth are the largest metros. Texas Legal Services Center, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid cover the state.

18 Resources

1. Texas Fatherhood EFFECT (DFPS Statewide Program) — Free

Educating Fathers for Empowering Children Tomorrow — statewide program administered by DFPS funding local providers to deliver parent education and resources specifically to fathers. Programs focus on responsible fatherhood, active parenting, child development, and economic stability. Fathers at all stages are welcome — expectant dads, new dads, and experienced dads. Contact DFPS or call 211 to find a local EFFECT provider in your Texas county or region.

(512) 929-6900 · Statewide providers · Varies by provider; state office Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

2. San Antonio Fatherhood Campaign — Free

Nonprofit serving disconnected fathers in San Antonio with life skills, family reunification, education, career training, employment support, and child support compliance assistance. Dedicated fatherhood hotline available for intake. Programs help fathers who have been incarcerated, unemployed, or estranged reconnect with their children. Call their fatherhood hotline to learn about enrollment requirements and current program availability for Bexar County fathers.

(210) 227-3463 · 1616 E Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 · Mon-Fri, call for hours · Visit Website

3. AVANCE-Houston Fatherhood Program — Free

Free parent education and fatherhood group programs in English and Spanish in Houston. Focus on responsible parenting, healthy relationships, and active father involvement. Federally recognized Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood grantee. Multiple Houston locations serving Harris County. Programs open to fathers of all backgrounds. Call or visit their website to find the nearest program location and current class schedule for Houston-area fathers and families.

(713) 812-0033 · 4281 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092 · Mon-Fri, call for class schedule · Visit Website

4. SAFE Alliance Fatherhood Program — Austin — Free

Evidence-based fatherhood program serving Austin-area fathers with free parenting classes for dads with children ages 0-11. Available in English and Spanish, in-person and virtually. Over 10 years of service in the Austin community. Contact SAFE Alliance to enroll or learn about upcoming class schedules. Programs cover child development, positive discipline, communication, and father-child bonding. Open to all Austin-area fathers regardless of custody status or living situation.

(512) 267-7233 · 4800 Manor Road, Building K, Austin, TX 78723 · Mon-Thu 9-5, Fri 9-4 · Visit Website

5. Goodwill Central Texas — Fatherhood Works — Free

Free program for dads 18+ with children up to 24 years old, offering parenting workshops, job search assistance, financial literacy, and career certifications in Central Texas. Addresses both parenting skills and economic stability simultaneously. Programs are held at multiple Austin-area Goodwill locations. Call or visit their website to learn about enrollment requirements and upcoming workshop schedules. Open to all fathers regardless of employment or custody status.

(512) 637-7580 · 1015 Norwood Park Boulevard, Austin, TX 78753 · Mon-Thu 9-11:30 AM & 1-3:30 PM; Fri 1-3:30 PM · Visit Website

6. SJRC Texas — Fatherhood Services (DFW) — Free

Fatherhood Coalition in the DFW area strengthening father-child engagement through group parenting classes. Connects fathers to a community-wide fatherhood support network. Family reunification support available for fathers who have been separated from their children. Contact SJRC Texas to learn about current program schedules and enrollment. Open to fathers at all stages, including those involved with the child welfare system seeking to reunify with their families.

(972) 822-6521 · 300 Morning Ridge Court, Georgetown, TX 78628 · Mon-Fri, call for schedule · Visit Website

7. All Pro Dad Chapters — Texas Schools — Free

School-based fatherhood engagement chapters getting fathers actively involved in children's schools across Texas. Active chapters in Dallas ISD, Houston, and San Antonio school districts. Any school can start a chapter — contact All Pro Dad for a free setup kit. Monthly chapter meetings at schools engage fathers with their children's education, building relationships between dads and teachers. Fathers from any background are welcome to join or start a chapter at their child's school.

School-based chapters statewide · Varies by school chapter · Visit Website

8. BakerRipley Head Start — Father Engagement (Houston) — Free

Head Start programs at 32 locations in Harris and Fort Bend Counties with dedicated father engagement programming. Fathers participate in program governance, school activities, and family events. Free for income-eligible families. Father engagement staff actively recruit and retain dads in programming. Contact BakerRipley to find the nearest Head Start location and learn about enrollment eligibility for children birth through age 5 in the greater Houston area.

(713) 273-3211 · 3838 Aberdeen Way, Houston, TX 77025 · Mon-Fri, call for schedule · Visit Website

9. Fatherhood.gov Program Finder — Texas — Free

Federal searchable map of federally supported fatherhood programs across Texas. Use the online locator at fatherhood.gov to find programs near you by ZIP code. The helpline connects fathers to the nearest responsible fatherhood program, parenting classes, and co-parenting support. Programs are funded through the federal Office of Family Assistance. Free to use for all Texas fathers regardless of income, custody status, or legal history.

(877) 432-3411 · Mon-Fri · Visit Website

10. Healthy Families Houston — Free

Free, evidence-based home visitation program through Houston Health Department for new and expecting parents in Harris County. Home visitors help fathers develop parenting skills, connect to community resources, and support healthy child development from pregnancy through age 3. Father engagement is a core component. Call the Houston Health Department or visit their website to learn about eligibility and how to enroll before or after the birth of your child.

(832) 395-9903 · 8000 N Stadium Drive, Houston, TX 77054 · Mon-Fri, call for intake · Visit Website

11. El Paso Center for Children — Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Strengthening father-child bonds in El Paso through parent education workshops, family engagement activities, and case management services for fathers. Bilingual English and Spanish services available. Workshops cover child development, discipline, and communication skills. Case managers connect fathers to community resources including housing, employment, and child support services. Contact El Paso Center for Children for enrollment and upcoming workshop schedule information.

(915) 307-8043 · 2000 N Stevens St, El Paso, TX 79930 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

12. National Fatherhood Initiative — Texas Resources — Paid

National nonprofit providing evidence-based fatherhood curricula used by Texas programs including 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad for incarcerated fathers, and Fathering in 15. Free dad tips via text — text DAD to 61827. Resources help fathers at any stage improve their parenting skills. Visit fatherhood.org to find Texas programs using NFI curricula, download free parenting guides, and sign up for weekly fatherhood tips and resources delivered to your phone.

(301) 948-0599 · Mon-Fri 9-5 ET · Visit Website

13. Nurse-Family Partnership — Texas — Free

Evidence-based home visiting for first-time, low-income mothers and fathers. Registered nurses visit homes from pregnancy through the child's second birthday. Active programs in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and more Texas cities. Father involvement is emphasized throughout. Nurses provide health guidance, parenting support, and connect families to community resources. Enrollment begins during pregnancy — contact NFP Texas to find a program near you and check eligibility requirements.

(866) 864-5226 · Multiple Texas sites · By appointment · Visit Website

14. Parents as Teachers — Texas Affiliates — Free

Home visiting program supporting parents from pregnancy through kindergarten entry. Certified parent educators provide personal home visits, group connections, and developmental screenings. Father involvement is encouraged throughout the program. Texas affiliates operate in multiple counties statewide. Contact Parents as Teachers national office or call 211 to find a local Texas affiliate near you. Programs are typically free or low-cost for income-eligible families with young children.

(866) 728-4968 · Multiple Texas affiliates · By appointment · Visit Website

15. Texas DFPS — Free Parenting Classes — Free

Texas Dept of Family and Protective Services funds free parenting education classes statewide through contracted community providers. Covers child development, positive discipline, communication, and safety. Classes are offered in-person and online at locations across all Texas regions. Fathers may be required to complete parenting classes as part of a DFPS case plan or family court order. Call 211 or contact DFPS to find a free parenting class provider in your county.

(512) 929-6900 · Providers statewide · Varies by provider · Visit Website

16. Boot Camp for New Dads — Texas Chapters — Free

Unique father-to-father workshop where experienced veteran dads coach new and expectant fathers. Sessions held at hospitals and community centers in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Workshops are typically free and run 2-3 hours. Veteran dads share practical parenting knowledge and newborn care skills in a relaxed, judgment-free setting. Visit bootcampfornewdads.org to find an upcoming session near you or contact your local hospital about hosting a workshop.

Hospital-based workshops statewide · Check website for upcoming sessions · Visit Website

17. City of Dallas — My Brother's Keeper Initiative — Free

Dallas Mayor's initiative connecting young men and boys of color with mentoring, fatherhood engagement, and workforce development. Partners with local nonprofits for direct services including job training, education support, and fatherhood programming. Initiative helps young fathers develop parenting skills while building career pathways. Contact the City of Dallas Mayor's office or visit their website to find current partner programs and enrollment options for Dallas-area fathers and young men.

(214) 670-3600 · 1500 Marilla St, Dallas, TX 75201 · Mon-Fri 8-5

18. Family Endeavors — Fatherhood Services (San Antonio) — Free

Comprehensive family services in San Antonio including fatherhood programming, parenting education, and employment support for fathers transitioning from military service or experiencing homelessness. Programs help fathers stabilize their housing, find employment, and strengthen their relationships with their children. Contact Family Endeavors for intake information and program availability. Services are available regardless of faith background. Located in the San Antonio area.

(210) 431-6466 · 1603 Babcock Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · 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.