HHS Makes it Easier for States to Support Employment and Training Services to Help Noncustodial Parents Financially Support their Children

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced a new rule to give state and Tribal child support programs the flexibility to use federal funding to provide employment and training services for eligible noncustodial parents. These services have been shown to improve earnings and the likelihood of collecting child support payments that directly improve the lives of children and families.

"All parents want to be there for their children. Employment and training programs help parents build skills and secure stable jobs," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "By investing in these programs, we help families thrive and create a stronger foundation for the next generation."

Research shows that a noncustodial parent's employment status directly correlates to reliability of child support payments. Providing employment and training services to unemployed and underemployed parents who have child support obligations has proven to help parents take financial responsibility for their child's upbringing and well-being and are beneficial to children and their parents. These types of national and state-based programs can increase employment rates, earnings, and the amount and regularity of child support payments.

The rule will allow state and Tribal child support programs to use federal funding for services like skills assessments, job-readiness training, occupational training, job placement and work supports, such as transportation assistance.

"Improving child well-being and increasing family self-sufficiency are core elements of child support programs," said ACF Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Meg Sullivan. "By helping unemployed or underemployed parents who have difficulty paying child support secure a job, this rule will further support state and Tribal child support programs in achieving their mission."

"Many state and Tribal child support programs already work to help noncustodial parents find jobs, improve regularity of child support payments and get on a path to economic stability," said ACF Office of Child Support Services Commissioner Tanguler Gray. "This rule supports existing employment and training efforts and helps programs launch new efforts to lift up families."

Child support programs interested in starting their own employment and training program can visit the OCSS website to access the Knowledge Worksand Tribal Employment Pathwaysresources. These resources have planning tools, sample forms and templates, training videos, and more.

The new final rule may be found on the Federal Register website

Administration for Children & Families
Office of Communications
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201

Phone: (202) 401-9215
Fax: (202) 205-9688
Email: [email protected]