YMCA of Utah – Father Programs

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 Utah

Utah district courts handle family law in each of its eight judicial districts; juvenile courts handle parentage and some custody matters. The Office of Recovery Services (ORS) operates child support enforcement. Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan are the largest cities. Utah Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake provide free civil representation.

More Fatherhood Programs in Utah

• Family Support Center – Fatherhood Programs — Operates father engagement programs, parenting education classes, and crisis nurseries from locations across Salt Lake County, including the
• National Fatherhood Initiative – UT Partners — National nonprofit whose evidence-based curricula, including 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad, are implemented by community agencies across Utah.
• Utah Community Action – Father Programs — Offers fatherhood services, parenting workshops, Head Start dad engagement, and family support through the Salt Lake City headquarters. Fath
• Utah Valley Fatherhood Coalition — Community coalition in Utah County promoting responsible fatherhood through partner agencies, workshops, and resource referrals centered in
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah – Dads — Operates after-school and summer programs statewide that promote father involvement in children's education, recreation, and character devel
• Ogden-Weber Community Action – Fatherhood — Provides father engagement, parenting education, Head Start dad involvement, and family support from the Ogden office serving Weber and Morg

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.