Practitioner Networks & Communities
Real networks, communities of practice, and professional associations where fatherhood practitioners connect, share resources, and grow in the field.
Federal & National Networks
These federally supported and nationally recognized networks are the primary professional communities for responsible fatherhood practitioners.
NRFC Practitioner Community
FederalNational Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
The NRFC's practitioner hub webinars, training resources, peer exchange opportunities, and a national network of responsible fatherhood program staff. Free to access.
ACF HMRF Grantee Network
Federal GranteesAdministration for Children & Families
The network of federally funded Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood grantees. Includes peer learning opportunities, technical assistance, and shared resources across grantee organizations.
National Fatherhood Initiative Network
NonprofitNational Fatherhood Initiative
NFI's practitioner network training, certification, and peer community for programs using NFI curricula. Includes the 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad practitioner communities.
Fathers Incorporated National Network
NonprofitFathers Incorporated
A national network focused on fathers in corrections, child welfare, and re-entry. Provides training, technical assistance, and peer connection for practitioners in these settings.
Training & Professional Development
Ongoing training is essential for fatherhood practitioners. These resources offer free and low-cost professional development.
NRFC Webinar Series
Free WebinarsFree monthly webinars on topics relevant to fatherhood practitioners facilitation skills, working with special populations, evaluation, and policy updates. Recordings available on demand.
ACF Training & Technical Assistance
TA / TrainingTraining and technical assistance resources for ACF-funded programs. Includes onsite TA, virtual training, and peer learning opportunities for HMRF grantees.
Motivational Interviewing Training
Skill TrainingMotivational Interviewing (MI) is one of the most evidence-supported approaches for engaging resistant or ambivalent fathers. The MINT network provides training and certification.
Trauma-Informed Care Training (SAMHSA)
Free TrainingFree SAMHSA resources on trauma-informed approaches for practitioners working with fathers who have experienced trauma, incarceration, or adverse childhood experiences.
Child Welfare Capacity Building Center
Child WelfareTraining and resources specifically for child welfare practitioners on engaging fathers in child welfare cases. Includes father-friendly practice guides and training curricula.
National Fatherhood Summit (Annual)
ConferenceThe premier annual gathering for fatherhood practitioners, researchers, and program leaders. Practical sessions, peer exchange, and the latest in fatherhood research and practice.
Research, Policy & Field Updates
Stay current with the research and policy landscape shaping responsible fatherhood programs.
OPRE Fatherhood Research
ACF's Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation publishes ongoing research on responsible fatherhood program effectiveness, including evaluation reports and research briefs.
Child Trends: Fatherhood Research
Child Trends is a leading nonpartisan research organization. Their fatherhood research covers father involvement, program effectiveness, and policy implications.
Father Involvement Research Alliance (FIRA)
An international research network focused on father involvement. Publishes research, hosts conferences, and connects researchers and practitioners globally.
Urban Institute: Fatherhood Policy
Policy research and analysis on fatherhood, child support, and family stability from one of the nation's leading policy research organizations.
State & Regional Fatherhood Coalitions
Many states have active fatherhood coalitions that provide peer networking, training, and advocacy for practitioners. These coalitions are often the best source of local knowledge, referrals, and peer support.
National Alliance for Responsible Fatherhood (NARF)
Directory of state fatherhood coalitions and alliances across the U.S.
California Fatherhood Council
Statewide network championing equitable access to fatherhood support services across California.
Texas Fatherhood Initiative
Find Texas-based fatherhood programs and practitioner networks via the NRFC program map.
Find Your State Coalition
Use the NRFC's for-programs section to find state-specific resources and networks.
Don't see your state? Contact the NRFC at fatherhood.gov/for-programs for state-specific referrals.
Share Practitioner Networks
Connect colleagues, family coordinators, and coalition leaders with professional fatherhood associations and training cohorts.