Good Dads +Us
Good Dads +Us • COMING SOON!
Good Dads +Us is an all-encompassing program for dads and their co-parents. Participants learn a variety of skills to live happy, healthy lives with our three-pronged approach: (1) healthy couple relationships; (2) co-parenting skills; (3) economic stability and financial literacy.
Classes are set to begin throughout Missouri in spring 2026.
Why Focus
on Fathers (and their partners)?
At Good Dads, we believe that fathers and father-figures are a community’s most valuable resource. A community with a high percentage of loving, engaged, responsible fathers has better outcomes in nearly every measure: education, safety, and economic stability, to name a few.
Our mission is to inspire, resource, and encourage all fathers to be more involved in their children’s lives, aiming to build better communities through engaged fatherhood. Since 2018, Good Dads has already targeted at-risk fathers with the New Pathways for Good Dads program, but with our new Good Dads +Us program, we can keep fulfilling our mission of serving all fathers, regardless of income or background. Partners (mothers of his children, wives, girlfriends, step-moms, fiancées, etc.) are welcome to attend classes alongside dads.
Who is
Good Dads +Us for?
Good Dads +Us is for any dad or father-figure, regardless of his income. To qualify for the program, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in one of the 87 Missouri counties indicated on the map to the left.
- Be actively engaged in raising a minor child or actively involved in the life of a young adult up to age 24 who is the child of a partner or relative.
- This program is designed to fit the needs of any biological father, expectant father, adoptive father, foster father, grandfather or father-figure.
- Suitable for single men and men in committed romantic relationships (married or unmarried).
About the Program
After winning a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Good Dads is building capacity to serve couples for the very first time. Our vision for the Good Dads +Us program is to create lasting generational change by improving father-child relationships, reducing family violence, supporting healthy partner relationships, and increasing family economic mobility.
The new initiative will allow any father to access the tools and resources necessary to be a good dad. Classes for the new program will begin spring 2026.
- Understanding the importance of father engagement to children’s wellbeing
- Child behavior and development
- Communication and conflict resolution
- Co-parenting skills
- Positive bonding among partners
- Setting limits and discipline
- Healthy expression and regulation
- Realistic expectations for committed relationships
- Healthy relationships and commitment
- Employment, resume building and interview skills
- Family budgeting, credit and savings
What You'll Learn
Outcomes and Benefits
When you participate in Good Dads +Us, Good Dads will work with you to achieve a variety of positive outcomes:
- More positive family relationships and bonds
- More family stability and less conflict
- Improved child health and wellbeing
- More emotional connection and positive bonds for partners
- More financial responsibility and economic stability
- Fewer depressive symptoms and stress
- When you enroll in the +Us program, you’ll work together to complete confidential paperwork that helps Good Dads understand how to best serve you.
- Then you’ll join one of our classes with a small group of other dads and their partners. You’ll be expected to meet a minimum 25 hours of instruction in responsible fatherhood, healthy relationships and money management electives.
- Along the way, you’ll receive encouragement from the Good Dads team—with regular check-ins to review progress towards your goals and to answer your questions.
- Once you’ve met all class requirements (earning attendance incentives along the way) you’ll be eligible to complete the program! And as part of the Good Dads network, you’ll continue to have access to alumni resources and other community support.
What to Expect
+Us Timeline
Just as every parent’s experience raising their children is unique, your journey through the +Us program will be one-of-a-kind, too. The program’s timeline and requirements may differ slightly depending on your region.
1
Enrollment & Team Service Plan
Your journey begins with a joint meeting with a Good Dads team member. We’ll help you and your partner set individual and shared goals for:
- Relationship Quality & Co-parenting
- Financial Stability & Economic Mobility
- Career Advancement & Education
- Family Wellness & Resource Navigation
- Other Needs
2
Initial Surveys & Assessments
To help us provide the best support, both partners will complete confidential initial assessments. These help us understand your relationship’s unique strengths and the specific areas where you want to grow as a couple.
3
Phase 1: Relationship & Communication
(PREP 8.0 • 7 weeks)
This phase focuses entirely on the bond between you and your partner. Using the evidence-based PREP 8.0® curriculum, you will master the skills needed to keep your relationship strong and vibrant.
- Core Topics: Communication Danger Signs, The Speaker-Listener Technique, Preservation of Fun & Friendship, Managing Expectations
- Twice-Monthly Support: While you attend these classes, a Good Dads team member will check in twice a month to assist with your goals (childcare, housing, transportation, etc.).
- Attendance Incentives: Couples earn “milestone rewards” for consistent attendance and participation during this phase.
4
Phase 2: Parenting Skills
(Fundamentals for Good Dads • 5 Weeks)
Once the relationship foundation is set, we shift focus to the children. The Fundamentals for Good Dads curriculum provides the tools needed to be an effective parenting team.
- Core Topics: Understanding Child Development, Positive Discipline Strategies, Creating a Stable Home Environment, Co-parenting Alignment
- Ongoing Mentorship: The Good Dads team continues twice-monthly check-ins to ensure you have the resources needed to reach your family’s economic and parenting goals.
- Milestone Rewards: Continue earning incentives as you wrap up the core classroom portion of the program.
5
Economic Stability & Financial Literacy (4 Hours)
Financial stress is one of the leading causes of relationship strain. These electives provide couples with tools for:
- Joint Budgeting: Learning to manage household finances as a team.
- Credit & Debt: Strategies for improving credit scores and managing shared debt.
- Planning for the Future: Setting goals for savings, car ownership, or homeownership.
6
Course Completion
Once you have completed the 12 weeks of coursework and the 4-hour financial intensive, we celebrate your family’s milestone!
- Dual Certification: You will each receive a Course Completion Certificate to recognize your dedication to your family’s future.
- Time to Celebrate! Couples who have completed the program, demonstrated positive co-parenting, and made progress on their economic stability goals have our sincere congratulations. The Good Dads team is excited to celebrate with you!
- Post-Grad Life: Your family remains part of the Good Dads network. You’ll have access to alumni resources and other community support.
Ready to be the hero of your own story?
Indicate your interest in +Us by filling out this form. A member of the Good Dads staff will contact you to arrange a time when we can sit down together to learn more about your needs.
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The production of this webpage was supported by Grant HHS-2025-ACF-OFA-ZJ-0014 from ACF. Its content are solely the responsibility of Good Dads and do not necessarily represent the official views of ACF.