Free Fatherhood Programs in California
Free parenting classes, co-parenting support, and dad resources across California : from Los Angeles to the Bay Area, San Diego to Sacramento.
California Fatherhood Programs
9 resourcesCalifornia Department of Social Services : Fatherhood Programs
State AgencyStatewideFreeStatewide fatherhood programs administered through CDSS, including services for fathers involved with the child welfare system.
LA County DCFS : Father Engagement
CountyLos AngelesFreeLos Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services father engagement programs, workshops, and support groups.
NRFC : Central Valley Programs
FederalCentral ValleyFreeSearch federally-funded responsible fatherhood programs in Stockton, Fresno, Bakersfield, and the broader Central Valley region.
NRFC : Bay Area Programs
FederalBay AreaFreeSearch federally-funded responsible fatherhood programs across the San Francisco Bay Area, including Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties.
San Diego County : Resources for Fathers
CountySan DiegoFreeOfficial San Diego County guide to local resources for fathers — programs, services, and support organizations across the county.
California Head Start Association
FederalStatewideFreeFind your local Head Start program in California : all sites offer free father engagement services for families with children under 5.
211 LA
HelplineLos AngelesFreeLos Angeles County's free social services helpline : connects dads to local fatherhood programs, childcare, housing, and more.
211 San Diego
HelplineSan DiegoFreeSan Diego County's free social services helpline : find local fatherhood programs and family support services.
NRFC California Programs
FederalStatewideFreeSearch all federally-funded responsible fatherhood programs in California.
Programs by City
Los Angeles
San Francisco Bay Area
NRFC Locator : Bay Area
Search federally-funded fatherhood programs across Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and surrounding Bay Area counties.
211 Bay Area
Dial 2-1-1 to find free local fatherhood and family support services in your Bay Area county.
California Head Start : Bay Area
Find Head Start programs in the Bay Area offering free father engagement services for families with children under 5.
San Diego
Sacramento
NRFC Locator : Sacramento
Find federally-funded fatherhood programs in the Sacramento area.
211 Sacramento
Dial 2-1-1 to connect with free local family support services in Sacramento County.
California Head Start : Sacramento
Find Head Start programs in Sacramento offering free father engagement services.
Fresno / Central Valley
NRFC Locator : Central Valley
Find federally-funded fatherhood programs in Fresno, Stockton, Bakersfield, and surrounding Central Valley areas.
211 Central California
Dial 2-1-1 to find free local services in Fresno and Central Valley counties.
California Head Start : Central Valley
Find Head Start programs in the Central Valley offering free father engagement services for families with children under 5.
How to Get Started in California
Call 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in California. A specialist will connect you with free local fatherhood programs, childcare, and family support services in your area.
Use the NRFC Locator
Visit fatherhood.gov/program-map to find federally-funded responsible fatherhood programs near you.
Contact Local Head Start
California Head Start programs offer free father engagement services. Visit headstartca.org to find the program nearest to you.
California Legal Resources for Dads
California Courts Self-Help Center
Free self-help resources for family law, custody, child support, and paternity from the California Courts.
California Legal Aid (LawHelpCA)
Free legal information and referrals to legal aid organizations across California.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Free civil legal services for low-income residents of Los Angeles County, including family law.
Child Support Services : California
California Department of Child Support Services : modify orders, establish paternity, and access fatherhood resources.
Mental Health Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Crisis LineCall or text 988 anytime : free, confidential crisis support available 24/7 across California.
SAMHSA National Helpline
FederalFree, confidential treatment referrals for mental health and substance use : 1-800-662-4357, 24/7.
California Mental Health Services
StateCalifornia Department of Health Care Services : find county mental health programs near you.
Open Path Collective
Low-CostLow-cost therapy sessions ($30–$80) with licensed therapists : available throughout California.