Fatherhood: It Takes a Village
The presence of a father plays a vital part in child development, which is why organizations around the country have stepped up to welcome fathers and help them take attentive, responsible roles in their children’s lives. A father’s active presence in his child’s life not only strengthens their relationship, but also improves the child’s cognitive ability, educational achievement, and psychological well-being. These helpful organizations, programs, and online tools are available to assist fathers in their efforts to become better parents, partners, and providers.
While the parenting, education, and health resources on Red Treehouse can be used by anyone caring for a family, check out some of these dad-focused tips and tools!
National Tools and Resources
National Center for Fathering – Driven by data, the NCF offers groundbreaking research alongside their expansive blog.
Dads Adventure – Welcome to your greatest adventure yet—fatherhood! This source includes Base Camp, a library of resources for new fathers, and Boot Camp, an educational program for new fathers.
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse – The official fatherhood site of the U.S. Government, with a wealth of resources for all fathers.
Dads Matter – Need some encouragement? Sign up for this free text message tip service for expecting fathers and fathers with babies under the age of 1.
Keys to a Great Father-Child Relationship – An article breaking down the three keys to excellent father-child relationships: involvement, influence, and affection.
SingleDad – You are not alone! SingleDad is a deep library of resources and a community of support for single fathers.
The Importance of Fathers in Healthy Development of Children – Never doubt your importance! This downloadable manual discusses the many ways the presence of a father can improve a child’s life.
Finding Your Way: Guides for Fathers in Child Protection Cases – A thorough guide for dads who do not live with their child that is currently involved in a child protection case.
Ohio
Ohio Commission on Fatherhood - A state-wide commission whose focus is enhancing the well-being of Ohio's children by providing opportunities for fathers to grow and improve.
Fatherhood Resources – Looking for local resources? Try the OCF’s resource page, which features literature, links, and programs for fathers in counties throughout Ohio.
Pennsylvania
Especially For Fathers – A directory of family support centers in Allegheny County, PA that offer fatherhood programming.
Pittsburgh Dads Group – Dads unite! If you’re in need of a supportive community of fathers, look no further than Pittsburgh Dads Group, which hosts child-oriented events and “Dads Nights Out” around the Pittsburgh area. Part of the national City Dads Group.
Fathers Involved Now – A program that provides support for fathers of children with mental health and emotional concerns in Allegheny County.
West Virginia
ReFORM Initiative – This program offers classes to currently or previously incarcerated fathers to help them prioritize and protect their children.
Healthy Start/HAPI Project's Fatherhood Initiative – Created through the West Virginia University School of Medicine with a focus on reducing infant mortality, the HAPI project introduced its Fatherhood Initiative in an effort to ensure that fathers are not left out of receiving crucial information on their parenting journey.
Looking for more fatherhood events and organizations in your area? Search our full database of resources.