Fatherhood Matters
Fathers play a vital role in the health and stability of families. Whether you're navigating challenges, separation, or systems involvement, we’re here for you.
Confidential • Free • Open to all who identify as fathers
Fathers need support too.
Father 2 Father is a peer-led support group where fathers come together to talk openly, share lived experience, and strengthen relationships with their children and families.
Whether you're navigating separation, co-parenting, or involvement with systems, this is a space for connection—not judgment.
Schedule Note:
Starting June 26, meetings will shift to bi-weekly
Father 2 Father Group
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F2F is a Circle of Parents group to support fathers in building stronger relationships with their children, families, and themselves through shared experience and peer connection.
The group is offered through Parent Support Network in partnership with Child & Family.
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Open to all who identify as fathers, including:
Teen fathers through grandfathers
First-time fathers
Fathers navigating separation or divorce
Fathers involved with DCYF or family systems
Fathers seeking peer support and connection
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Wednesdays in June
5:30PM to 7PM7/1 group canceled
then bi-weekly starting 7/8
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Onsite children’s activities and transportation support are available upon request.
For questions or to request support contact Christian Nunez — call/txt 401-318-2528 or c.nunez@psnri.org
Father Leadership Pathway
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Fathers who take an active role in leadership within Father 2 Father, including co-facilitating groups, supporting peer engagement, and participating in local and regional fatherhood initiatives.
Participation in Father Leadership is based on demonstrated engagement and readiness for leadership roles within the program.
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Join us if you’re a father who wants to move from participation to leadership and help strengthen systems and supports for other fathers.
This includes fathers who are interested in:
Supporting group discussions and peer spaces
Sharing lived experience to help others
Being part of advisory, board, or community initiatives
Contributing to real change in fatherhood systems
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Father Leaders are selected from active Father 2 Father participants. Fathers may be invited to apply based on engagement, readiness, and staff recommendation.
Final approval is required before participation.
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Father Leaders are expected to:
Participate regularly in leadership activities
Support group facilitation and peer engagement
Represent Fatherhood values in community spaces
Support is provided through staff guidance, coaching, and ongoing collaboration.
RIFI Steering Committee
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In 2017, Parent Support Network was contracted by DCYF to form the Rhode Island Fatherhood Initiative (RIFI) to increase father engagement and improve outcomes for children and families statewide.
Today, RIFI is an inter-agency, systems-level collaborative focused on strengthening fatherhood policy, practice, and cross-sector coordination across Rhode Island. It is not a direct service or open support group.
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Systems Collaboration
Provide authentic input to state agencies and programs.
Father Leadership Development
Partner with father leaders to increase their knowledge, engagement, and advocacy skills.
Policy & Practice Improvement
Promote public awareness and support policy and practice reform.
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Membership is open to invited representatives from agencies, community partners, and father leaders.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, with locations rotating throughout Rhode Island.
For questions about RIFI, contact Christian Nunez.
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The PSN Father Support Team presented at the New England Fatherhood Conference, joining fatherhood practitioners, community organizations, and agencies from across the region to share strategies that strengthen father engagement and support families.
Explore the presentation materials below:
Learn how peer support and father engagement can help strengthen families and communities.
Support Navigating Family Court
Family Court FAQ
Navigating family court can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand next steps, expectations, or what your rights and responsibilities are.
This guide helps answer common questions and provides clearer direction for fathers involved in the court system.
What this resource helps with
Understanding the family court process
Common questions about custody, support, and hearings
What to expect when appearing in court
General guidance for navigating next steps
“Increasing father involvement in children’s lives strengthens families, which leads to happier, healthier, and safer communities.”
Changing to bi-weekly after this meeting