I want to find fatherhood programs in my community. How do I find one?

To find a fatherhood program, start with an online search using location-based terms, check the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse Program Map at fatherhood.gov, and contact local community organizations for referrals. If no local program exists, NFI's online ProFathering15™ program is available nationwide.Whether you're a father or a professional serving fathers, this guide can help you find a fatherhood program to support the growth and success of fathers and families in your community. It also includes information on What Is ProFathering15™ and How Can I Enroll?, a National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI) program available online to fathers and organizations everywhere.

While not every community has a fatherhood program, the good news is that more programs than ever serve fathers. Some serve fathers specifically, while others serve all parents. Start your search for father-specific programs. If none are found, expand your search to parenting programs that welcome fathers and have a demonstrated record of successfully serving them.

How Do I Find a Fatherhood Program Online?

Starting your search online is the fastest way to find a fatherhood program. Use the four steps below to locate programs in your area.

1. Start with search engines. Use search terms like:

•  "Fatherhood programs [your city/county/state]"

•  "Father support groups [your city/county/state]"

•  "Parenting classes for dads [your city/county/state]"

•  "Fatherhood initiatives [your city/county/state]"

•  "Dad-specific parenting resources [your city/county/state]"

2. Visit the website of (or call) your state's or community's fatherhood program or initiative.

Some states and communities have these and may fund or otherwise support local fatherhood programs. Agencies that typically house these programs or initiatives include human, child, family services, child welfare, child support, and public health departments.

3. Visit the websites of (or call) local community action agencies, family resource or support centers, pregnancy resource centers, Head Start and Early Head Start, Healthy Start, home visiting programs for expectant and new parents, faith-based organizations, mayor’s offices, and county courts.

Look in their navigation menus for “programs,” “services,” or “what we do.”

4. Check the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse Program Map.

These are federally funded fatherhood programs located across the country.

https://www.fatherhood.gov/program-map

How Can I Find a Fatherhood Program Through Community Referrals?

If your online search does not yield results, contact local organizations directly — fatherhood programs that are not listed online may still exist in your community. The organizations below are the most likely to know of local programs.

Organizations include:

• Government human service agencies (human services, child welfare, child support, and public health)

• Head Start and Early Head Start programs

• Family Resource or Support Centers

• Pregnancy Resource Centers

• Community action agencies

• Reentry centers

• Substance abuse treatment centers

• Churches, mosques, synagogues, and other faith-based groups

• Hospitals and other healthcare organizations

• Courts and legal aid offices

ProFathering15™

ProFathering15™ is an online, on-demand, self-paced fatherhood program from NFI — ideal for fathers without access to a local program. It covers 15 fatherhood topics in 15-minute segments for $15 per father.

ProFathering15™ is:

• Available in English and Spanish.

• Accessible from any device with a web browser.

• Ideal for fathers who can't attend in-person programs due to distance, transportation issues, or other constraints.

• Suitable for expectant, new, and experienced fathers of all backgrounds.

To enroll or learn more, visit https://profathering.fatherhood.org

Organizations can purchase multiple enrollments by calling 240-912-1263 or emailing fathersource@fatherhood.org.