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 Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

16 Resources

1. Wisconsin DCF - Fatherhood Programs — Free

State Department of Children and Families office coordinating responsible fatherhood initiatives across Wisconsin through grants and community partnerships offering parenting education, peer support, and employment linkage. Fathers can call the Madison office for referrals to a local program. Services delivered by partner agencies countywide. No income requirements for most program components. Walk-in and phone referrals accepted.

608-267-3905 · 201 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative — Free

Leading national nonprofit creating evidence-based fatherhood curricula such as 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad, delivered by community partners and correctional facilities across Wisconsin. Fathers can find local programs through the partner locator. Some programs serve incarcerated and reentering dads, others serve community-based participants. Call the national office for referrals or search online for a partner in your Wisconsin county.

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

3. All Pro Dad - Wisconsin Chapters — Free

School-based fatherhood program with chapters at elementary schools across Wisconsin where dads and their kids meet monthly for breakfast, discussion, and bonding activities. Fathers can search by ZIP code online to find a local chapter or start one at their child's school. Free to participate. Meetings usually held before school once per month. Bring your child and a positive attitude - no registration fee required.

Multiple WI school locations (search by ZIP) · Monthly meetings · Visit Website

4. Milwaukee Urban League - Fatherhood — Free

Milwaukee nonprofit serving fathers through family engagement programming, workforce development, parenting education, co-parenting support, and community connection services. Fathers can enroll in fatherhood groups, job training, and reentry support. Serves Milwaukee County residents. Walk-in or call to schedule intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any court orders related to custody or support to your first appointment.

414-374-5850 · 435 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Center for Self-Sufficiency - Fatherhood (Milwaukee) — Free

Milwaukee nonprofit offering responsible fatherhood programming including parenting classes, employment training, co-parenting skills, financial literacy, and peer support for low-income and reentering dads. Fathers can enroll through walk-in intake at the Hopkins Street office. Serves Milwaukee County. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any court orders or child support paperwork to your first appointment for fastest enrollment.

414-342-1700 · 4700 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

6. Madison Urban League - Father Engagement — Free

Madison-area nonprofit serving fathers with family strengthening programs, workforce development, parenting education, and community engagement activities for low-income and reentering dads. Fathers can enroll in fatherhood groups, job training, and reentry support. Serves Dane County. Walk-in or call to schedule intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any court orders related to custody or child support.

608-729-1200 · 2222 S Park St, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53713 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers - Father Support (Milwaukee) — Free

Community health center on Milwaukee's south side offering bilingual fatherhood support, parenting education, family wellness programs, and care coordination for Latino and immigrant dads. Fathers can call to schedule an intake appointment. Services offered on a sliding-fee or no-cost basis depending on income. Bring photo ID and proof of income if available. Walk-ins accepted for urgent needs during business hours.

414-672-1353 · 1032 S Cesar Chavez Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Community Advocates - Father Engagement (Milwaukee) — Free

Milwaukee nonprofit providing fatherhood programming including parenting skills classes, employment support, family reunification, housing assistance, and reentry services for low-income and justice-involved dads. Fathers can walk in or call to schedule an intake appointment. Serves Milwaukee County. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, pay stubs if working, and any court orders or release paperwork to your first appointment.

414-449-4777 · 728 N James Lovell St, Milwaukee, WI 53233 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee - Father Programs — Free

Milwaukee's largest youth development network offering father-child engagement activities, parenting support events, and family programming through its club locations citywide. Fathers can enroll their kids and participate in dad-focused events and mentoring opportunities. Membership fees vary by club with financial assistance available. Call the main office for the nearest location and hours, or visit any club to enroll.

414-267-8100 · 2040 W Fond du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53206 · Mon-Fri after school hours · Visit Website

10. La Causa Inc. - Fatherhood Initiative (Milwaukee) — Free

Milwaukee nonprofit providing culturally responsive fatherhood programming tailored for Latino, bilingual, and multicultural fathers including parenting classes, co-parenting support, and family engagement. Fathers can enroll through walk-in or phone intake at the south side office. Serves Milwaukee County with Spanish-speaking staff. Bring photo ID and any court orders related to custody or child support to your first appointment.

414-647-1555 · 1530 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. UMOS Inc. - Family Support (Milwaukee) — Free

Serves migrant, seasonal, and low-income families across Wisconsin with fatherhood engagement, family support, Head Start, workforce development, and bilingual services. Fathers can call the Milwaukee office for intake or visit regional offices statewide. Services available in English and Spanish. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, and any court orders to your first appointment for fastest enrollment.

414-389-6000 · 2701 S Chase Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Northcott Neighborhood House - Father Support (Milwaukee) — Free

Historic community center in Milwaukee's inner city offering fatherhood support, parenting classes, youth programs, and family engagement activities with a focus on Black families. Fathers can enroll through walk-in intake at the 6th Street facility. Serves central Milwaukee. Bring photo ID and any court orders related to custody or child support to your first appointment. Some programs have income eligibility requirements.

414-372-3770 · 2460 N 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53212 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Family Service of Waukesha - Father Programs — Free

Waukesha-based family service agency offering parenting programs, family counseling, supervised visitation, and family support services for fathers and families across Waukesha County. Fathers can call to schedule an intake appointment. Some services are offered on a sliding fee scale. Bring photo ID, insurance card if applicable, and any court orders related to custody or visitation to your first meeting.

262-547-3388 · 515 W Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53188 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

14. Kenosha County Division of Children & Family Services - Father Programs — Free

Kenosha County division offering programs supporting father involvement, parenting education, and family stability including referrals to local community-based fatherhood groups. Fathers can call the county office for a referral to a program that fits their situation. Serves Kenosha County residents. Bring photo ID and any court orders related to custody or child support to intake for fastest service.

262-605-6646 · 1000 55th St, Kenosha, WI 53140 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. Green Bay YMCA - Father Programs — Paid

Green Bay area YMCA offering father-child programs, family nights, parenting workshops, and healthy-living support at locations across the Green Bay metro area. Fathers can join the Y or participate in open community events. Financial assistance available based on income. Call the main office for upcoming father-child events, class schedules, or to tour a facility before committing to membership.

920-436-9622 · 235 N Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

16. Racine Family YMCA - Father Engagement — Paid

Racine YMCA offering father-child programming, family activities, parenting support, and youth development programs at its lakefront facility. Fathers can join the Y or participate in open community events and father-child nights. Financial assistance available based on household income. Call the main office for upcoming father-child events, program schedules, or to tour the facility before joining or signing up.

262-634-2345 · 725 Lake Ave, Racine, WI 53403 · Mon-Fri 5am-9pm · 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.