Fatherhood Resources: United States
Federal programs, free parenting classes in all 50 states, mental health support, and the full depth of Fatherhood.xyz's US-focused resources.
12 weeks
Federal Paternity Leave
Unpaid, under FMLA (50+ employee firms)
50 states
Federally Funded Programs
Free programs in every state
1-800-662-4357
SAMHSA Helpline
Free, 24/7, confidential
Dial 2-1-1
211 Helpline
Free local support, 24/7
Verified Federal & National Resources
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
FederalUSA-wideThe federal government's central hub for fatherhood resources. Free parenting tools, program locator, Dad U online courses, and research on responsible fatherhood.
NRFC Program Locator
FederalUSA-wideFind federally-funded responsible fatherhood programs near you. Free parenting classes, co-parenting support, employment help, and legal navigation in every state.
Dad U: Free Online Courses
FederalUSA-wideFree self-paced online courses from the NRFC covering parenting skills, co-parenting, financial literacy, and healthy relationships. No account required.
211: Local Family Support
HelplineUSA-wideDial 2-1-1 from any phone to connect with free local fatherhood programs, childcare, housing, food assistance, and family support services. Available 24/7.
Head Start Center Locator
FederalUSA-wideFind your nearest Head Start program. All sites offer free father engagement services for families with children under 5. Federally funded, no cost to families.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
FederalUSA-wideFederal resource on father involvement in child welfare, including resources for incarcerated fathers, fathers in the child welfare system, and family reunification.
MentalHealth.gov
FederalUSA-wideOfficial U.S. government mental health information portal. Resources on depression, anxiety, and stress for fathers, plus how to find local mental health services.
SAMHSA National Helpline
HelplineUSA-wideFree, confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information service for substance use and mental health disorders. Call 1-800-662-4357. Available in English and Spanish.
More on Fatherhood.xyz
Our full library of evidence-based articles, guides, and tools is built primarily for US fathers. Here's where to go next.
Free Programs by State
Find federally-funded fatherhood programs in all 50 states.
Substance Abuse Resources
Verified resources for fathers dealing with substance use.
Child Development Guide
What's happening in your child's brain from birth through adolescence.
Co-Parenting & Special Circumstances
Custody, co-parenting, blended families, and single fatherhood.
Health & Wellness for Dads
Mental health, fitness, and staying well while raising kids.
Financial Planning
Budgeting, education savings, and building stability for your family.
Key facts for US fathers
- •The US has no federal paid paternity leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees at companies with 50 or more employees.
- •Several states have their own paid family leave programs, including California, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
- •Federally-funded Responsible Fatherhood programs are available in every state at no cost. They offer parenting classes, co-parenting support, employment help, and legal navigation. Find them at fatherhood-programs-by-state.
- •SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is free, confidential, and available 24/7 for fathers dealing with substance use or mental health challenges.
- •Head Start programs serve families with children under 5 and are free to qualifying families. All sites offer father engagement services. Find your local program at the Head Start Center Locator.