Policy & Practice | Summer 2025

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By Jeremy Toulouse

How Employment and Training Initiatives in Child Support Programs Advance Family Stability and Well-Being

T he ability of child support programs to advance the economic stability and well-being of children and families is closely tied to engage ment, especially with noncustodial parents. When these parents are meaningfully engaged, they are more likely to provide reliable child support payments and take an active role in co-parenting. Yet barriers like unem ployment or underemployment often limit their ability to do so. To address this challenge, many child support agencies have intro duced employment and training (E&T) services into their programs through job fairs, referrals, and partnerships with workforce development organi zations. However, sustaining these efforts can be difficult due to limited or inflexible funding. Flexibility improved in late 2024, when the federal Office of Child Support Services finalized a rule expanding the use of IV-D federal funds to include support for E&T services. 1 Once a state receives federal approval, these funds can be used for job search assistance, readiness training, placement and retention services, and occupational training for noncustodial parents. This policy shift is significant. It gives agencies the flexibility to redirect funds traditionally reserved for enforcement to services that promote long-term stability, including those previously viewed as outside the scope of child support. With this new rule, state and local agencies can take more innovative

approaches to help noncustodial parents achieve economic stability and meet their financial responsibilities. It also reflects a broader shift in the child support community from enforcement to engagement. Traditional punitive measures like wage garnishment, license suspension, or incarceration have not consistently achieved intended collection outcomes. In contrast, early intervention, right sized orders, and supportive services like E&T show greater promise.

than punitive enforcement efforts in the long run. 2,3 While implementing E&T services may require upfront investment, it ultimately reduces the time and expense associated with court-based enforcement. Just as important, E&T promotes the long-term stability and well-being of families. Noncustodial parents who gain marketable skills and secure sus tainable employment are more likely to make full, timely child support payments and develop stronger rela tionships with their children. In turn, children who receive the financial support they need from both parents are more likely to avoid poverty and thrive emotionally, physically, and socially. When integrated with fatherhood or

An Investment in Family Stability

Among engagement strategies, E&T stands out. It’s proven to increase col lections and can be more cost-effective

Images via Shutterstock

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Policy & Practice Summer 2025