EMPOWERING FATHERS
California Child Support Services recognizes the vital role fathers play in their children’s lives. Whether they are single dads, co-parents with shared custody, or navigating complex parenting arrangements, fathers are essential to a child’s emotional, social, and financial well-being.
%
of fathers with a current child support obligation have made at least one payment
%
of fathers say being a dad is a defining part of who they are
fathers established paternity in open cases as of 2025
%
increase in fathers taking parental leave since 1994
Resources to Empower Fathers on Their Parenting Journey
California Fatherhood Council
The California Fatherhood Council brings together state agencies, community-based organizations, and faith-based partners to support every man striving to be the best father he can be. Visit the California Fatherhood Council website to learn more.
Local Support & Resources
- Alameda County Fathers Corps
- All Dads Matter (Merced County)
- Crystal Stairs, Inc. / Man Cave Program (Los Angeles)
- Good+ Foundation (Los Angeles)
- Inland Empire Father Involvement Coalition
- Man 2 Man – Urban Youth Advocate (Alameda County)
- Orange County Fatherhood Coalition
- San Bernardino Fatherhood
For the full list of fatherhood-focused organizations, visit the California Fatherhood Council website.
NextGen
The NextGen program offers employment and training help for parents paying child support. Services include lifting suspensions (such as license suspensions and bench warrants) and helping initiate or expedite child support orders. This program is currently offered in Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Los Angeles County. For more information and to participate in this program visit the following:
Family Law Facilitator
Need legal help? Family law facilitators can help with things like custody, parenting time, spousal support, and medical support. They provide free or low-cost legal guidance on family law issues and assist with required documents. Find a family law facilitator near you.
Findhelp
Findhelp.org has resources for food pantries and meal programs near you. You can also find housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.
Sources:
- Child Support Payments – California Child Support Enforcement System, September 2026
- Dad is a Defining Part – First 5 California Fathers in Focus, October 2024, page 17
- Fathers Established Paternity in 2025 – FFY 2025 Comparative Data for Managing Program Performance, Table 1.1.1, Page 9
- Fathers Taking Parental Leave – Fun Facts: Father’s Day, 2023 The United States Census Bureau