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 Virginia

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 Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

17 Resources

1. Virginia DSS - Fatherhood Programs — Free

State agency administering federally funded responsible fatherhood initiatives connecting fathers with parenting classes, employment support, and co-parenting resources. Virginia DSS partners with local organizations to deliver fatherhood programming across the state. Programs are often free and open to fathers of all backgrounds. Contact your local DSS office or call the state number to find fatherhood programs near you. Federally funded programs focus on strengthening father-child relationships.

804-726-7000 · 801 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading national nonprofit providing evidence-based fatherhood skill-building programs including 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad, both active in Virginia community organizations and correctional facilities. Programs are delivered by trained facilitators at partner sites statewide. Topics include parenting skills, communication, relationship management, and responsible fatherhood. Visit the website to find a program near you or contact the national office to connect with a Virginia partner site.

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

3. All Pro Dad - Virginia Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters across Virginia where dads and their kids gather monthly for breakfast, activities, and relationship-building in a welcoming school environment. Any father figure including stepfathers, grandfathers, and uncles is welcome. Chapters are free to join and require no formal commitment. Search the All Pro Dad website by ZIP code to find a chapter at a school near you. New chapter formation is supported for interested schools.

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

4. Urban League of Hampton Roads - Fatherhood — Free

Provides mentoring, job readiness training, parenting education, and comprehensive support services to fathers in the Hampton Roads region through structured fatherhood programming. Services address employment barriers, parenting skills, and family stability. Programs are available at no cost to eligible participants. Located in Norfolk and serving the broader Hampton Roads community including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Call or email to learn about current program enrollment.

757-627-0864 · 100 W Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

5. Richmond Urban League — Free

Offers fatherhood engagement and family strengthening programs in greater Richmond including workforce development, job placement, financial literacy, and parenting skills education for fathers. Programs are designed to strengthen fathers' connections with their children and families. Services may be available at low or no cost for qualifying participants. Contact the Richmond Urban League to learn about current fatherhood program enrollment and eligibility requirements.

804-649-8407 · 2501 Chamberlayne Ave, Richmond, VA 23222 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

6. Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) - Arlington — Free

Serves fathers reentering the community after incarceration in Northern Virginia with parenting classes, family reunification support, and responsible fatherhood programming. OAR assists with reentry planning, housing, employment, and rebuilding relationships with children. Services are available at no cost to eligible participants. Located in Arlington and serving the broader Northern Virginia region. Call or visit the website to learn about current programs and how to enroll.

703-228-7030 · 1400 N Uhle St, Suite 704, Arlington, VA 22201 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia - Father Engagement — Free

Partners with community organizations to deliver fatherhood and family stability services including job training, financial literacy, and parenting education for fathers across Central and Coastal Virginia. Programs are often available at no cost to participants through grant funding. Located in Richmond with services extending throughout the region. Contact the main office or visit the website to find current fatherhood programming and enrollment opportunities near you.

804-745-6300 · 6301 Midlothian Tpke, Richmond, VA 23225 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Healthy Families Virginia — Free

Statewide home visiting program supporting new fathers and mothers with parenting skills, child development education, and family strengthening from prenatal through age five. Certified family support specialists visit families at home to provide guidance, connect them to community resources, and support healthy parent-child bonding. Services are free and voluntary. Contact the Richmond office to find a Healthy Families Virginia program in your area of the state.

804-649-0184 · 701 E Franklin St, Suite 1412, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

9. Boot Camp for New Dads – Virginia — Free

Father-to-father workshops held at hospitals across Virginia where veteran dads coach new and expectant fathers on infant care, bonding, and the transition to parenthood. Sessions are informal, practical, and led by experienced dads rather than medical professionals. Workshops are free and typically run a few hours. Check the Boot Camp for New Dads website to find upcoming sessions at Virginia hospitals near you. No registration fee required to attend.

Hospital-based workshops · Check website · Visit Website

10. Parents as Teachers – Virginia Affiliates — Free

Home visiting program serving families from pregnancy through kindergarten with certified parent educators at affiliate sites across Virginia. Educators make regular home visits to support child development, parent-child relationships, and family well-being. Services are free for eligible families and cover topics including early literacy, health, and positive parenting. Call the national line at 866-728-4968 or visit the website to find a Virginia affiliate near you.

866-728-4968 · Multiple VA affiliates · By appointment · Visit Website

11. Nurse-Family Partnership – Virginia — Free

Evidence-based home visiting program for first-time low-income parents pairing them with registered nurses who visit from pregnancy through the child's second birthday. Nurses provide guidance on prenatal health, infant care, development, and parenting skills. The program is free for eligible participants and has been shown to improve health and life outcomes for children and families. Call or visit the website to find a Virginia program site near you.

866-864-5226 · Multiple VA sites · By appointment · Visit Website

12. All Pro Dad – Virginia School Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood engagement chapters active at schools across Virginia. All Pro Dad Chapters connect fathers and father figures with their children through monthly breakfast meetings that include activities, conversation, and relationship-building. Chapters are free to join and open to dads, stepfathers, grandfathers, and other father figures. Use the chapter locator on the website to find a Virginia school with an active chapter or learn how to start one.

School-based chapters statewide · Varies · Visit Website

13. Head Start Virginia – Father Engagement — Free

Virginia Head Start programs actively engage fathers and father figures in children's early learning, development, and school readiness. Programs include father involvement activities, parent education workshops, and family support services at no cost. Head Start serves income-eligible families with children ages 0-5. Call the national line or visit the ECLKC website to find a Virginia Head Start program near you and inquire about father engagement opportunities and enrollment.

866-763-6481 · Programs statewide · Varies · Visit Website

14. Fatherhood.gov – VA Program Finder — Free

Federal searchable map and resource hub for fatherhood programs across Virginia. Fatherhood.gov is maintained by the Office of Family Assistance and helps fathers locate local programs covering parenting skills, employment support, financial literacy, and relationship building. Use the program locator to search by city or ZIP code. The site also offers articles, tools, and tips for fathers at every stage of their parenting journey. Free and available 24/7 online.

877-432-3411 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

15. Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority – Family Programs — Free

Family support and fatherhood engagement services for Norfolk public housing residents provided through the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Programs include parenting workshops, family stability services, and connections to community resources for fathers and families living in NRHA communities. Contact the main office at 757-623-1111 to inquire about available family programs and current enrollment. Services are available to residents of NRHA public housing communities in Norfolk.

757-623-1111 · 201 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Richmond Fatherhood Coalition — Free

Community coalition promoting responsible fatherhood in the Richmond metro area through parenting workshops, peer support groups, and community events connecting fathers with one another and with resources. The coalition coordinates with local organizations to provide holistic support for fathers navigating parenting, employment, and family relationships. Visit the website or contact via the online form to learn about upcoming events and how to get involved in Richmond.

Richmond, VA · Contact via website · Visit Website

17. Virginia Beach Dept of Human Services – Fatherhood — Free

Family support and fatherhood engagement services for Virginia Beach residents through the Department of Human Services. Programs include parenting education, family stability services, and connections to community resources that support fathers and families. Contact the Virginia Beach DHS at 757-385-3200 to inquire about available fatherhood and family support programs and current enrollment. Office hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

757-385-3200 · Virginia Beach, VA · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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.