UPNEXT participants often face many obstacles on their path
to becoming great parents and employees. One of their most prevailing setbacks
is outstanding child support obligations. Fathers that are indebted to child
support often find themselves working unstable, off-the-books jobs – all in
attempt to manage their child support. However, these means of earning a living
can lead to dead ends, lack of opportunities for advancement, and long-term
financial insecurity.
Managing child support can be a perplexing and frustrating
process, leaving some well-intentioned fathers desperate to meet obligations
and unable to forge a path out of poverty for themselves and those who rely on
them for support. UPNEXT recognizes the difficulty of child support management
and has developed a comprehensive method to overcome any barriers that arise.
First, we investigate the amount owed and to whom. Then we host an informative
workshop that addresses the mechanics behind New York’s child support system.
At the end of each workshop, we give UPNEXT participants time for questions that
allow for increased understanding of how child support works. Program staff
then meet with each participant individually to discuss his individual case and
the next steps. Lastly, we join participants on a trip to the Office of Child
Support Enforcement Customer Service Center to take immediate steps to manage the
support obligation. Upon completion of the trip, each participant has a plan
for how their child support can be managed in a way that allows them to live
and work while providing support to those relying on him.
Those who work with UPNEXT staff members to follow the plan
see positive results. Mike, 36, reviewed his case at the OCSE Customer Service
Center and found that nearly all of his arrears were eligible for forgiveness,
allowing him to focus on his monthly obligation. Lincoln, 43, received a downward
modification of his monthly obligation that more accurately reflected his
current earnings. He is now working full-time and meeting his obligations. He
reports that sorting things out on the financial side has also eased family
tensions and he is seeing his son more. These are just two individuals who have
benefited from UPNEXT’s comprehensive services to help our fathers. The
program looks forward to continued collaboration with fathers and the Human
Resource Administration’s Office of Child Support Enforcement to increase
financial and emotional engagement between non-custodial parents and their
families.
