Fathers’ services provide a range of group programs that offer choice. Men have a higher level of commitment when they can choose their level of involvement. Some of those choices include men accessing:

• intensive fathers’ groups and emotional support groups where participants attend for six to fifteen months (mid-week evening)
• educational groups that have a duration of six to eight weeks (mid-week evening)
• information based, one-day workshops delivered on the weekend
• father/child playgroups provided midweek or on the weekend
• counselling
• telephone support

From the beginning, the Men and Family Relationships Initiative supported the development of a diverse range of local initiatives that responded to men’s needs (O’Brien & Rich, 2002). Avoiding the ‘one-size fits all’ approach to service delivery, a wide range of programs for men emerged throughout 1998 to 2004:

• afternoon/evening programs for fathers and their children held in primary schools that involve activities and a shared meal
• support groups for separated fathers on Sunday evenings after contact  with their children finishes, such as those offered by Dads in Distress in various locations across New South Wales
• psychoeducational groups such as the Hey, Dad! series of programs, Fathering after Separation, and domestic violence programs
• specialised programs for Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse men
• the range of programs (one-off workshops or psychoeducational groups) and information booklets that have been developed by the Australian Commonwealth Government’s  Child Support Agency
• counselling and emotional support groups – where men explore a range of experiences
• individual counselling services provided out of normal working hours
• programs accessed through the workplace
• programs accessed by new fathers before they leave the hospital with their first baby
• task groups and the development of Men’s Sheds where a range of activities are provided
• camp/adventure programs for fathers or for men and their children
• music festivals that promote messages of fathering and masculinity
• Pitstop’ men’s health checkup evenings provided in regional Club facilities throughout regional areas of Australia
• family farm gatherings in rural communities where 6-7 families meet to discuss issues affecting drought affected communities
• telephone group counselling sessions
• telephone counselling and support programs for individuals