Supporting Child Support Programs

Child Support programs continue to adapt their focus to improve the reliability of child support payments. The change in focus from enforcement to services allows for modernization and a range of innovative strategies that drive stronger participation, particularly for low-income families that most need child support. States are modernizing their child support programs by implementing policies to establish realistic child support orders, reduce child support debt, and intervene early when parents begin to struggle to make payments. Additionally, increased collaboration with other Administration for Children and Families (ACF) programs to engage fathers, increase employment for noncustodial parents, and improve family relationships is having a positive impact on the well-being of children and families.

The Child Support Services Program provides seven major services on behalf of children: parent location; paternity establishment; establishment of child support orders; review and modification of child support orders; collection of child support payments; distribution of child support payments; and establishment and enforcement of medical support.

This range of services supports all family members to encourage responsible parenting and develop family self-sufficiency and child well-being.?

In FY 2023, child support programs nationwide collected $29.6 billion and served 1 in 5 children in the United States, resulting in 12.7 million children receiving services. 73% of child support was collected by income withholding from an employee’s paycheck. 97% of child support collected went to families while 3% reimbursed public assistance dollars. More money for families helps reduce the number of children living in poverty.

ICF has over 1,100 people working across the social service system leveraging the full complement of expertise across these areas to think broadly about equity, prevention, and breaking the cycle of poverty.

We’re embracing the focus on social consciousness currently reflected in legislative opportunities and executive orders that recognize the inequity in many of our systems intended to support and intervene in the lives of children and families. By focusing on proactive approaches, we’re driving meaningful change in several ways:

1. Supporting Economic Stability: Helping families gain access to stable income sources, including effective child support collection, to help break the cycle of poverty.
2. Providing Access to Services: Making social programs more accessible to ensure that those in need can benefit from them by removing unnecessary barriers.
3. Delivering Integrated Services: Coordinating across different social services provides a holistic support system that addresses multiple needs simultaneously.
4. Developing Preventive Measures: Proactive approaches, such as early intervention and support, prevent issues from escalating, leading to better long-term outcomes.

The transformative power of child support programs is more than just a financial transaction; these programs are a lifeline that can significantly reduce poverty for families. By ensuring that parents can provide for their children, we not only support the immediate needs of families but also invest in the future of our communities.?

We’re proud to be supporting our clients with innovative strategies and integrated services that are actively shaping a system that uplifts families and children. It's through these concerted efforts that we can hope to see a world where every child has the support they need to thrive.