August is Child Support Awareness Month and North Coast Child Support is reminding parents that Humboldt, along with 48 county and regional child support agencies across the state, offers a range of services to assist parents in supporting their children.
Research conducted statewide in 2017 revealed that many California parents – both outside the Child Support Program and participating in it – were unaware of programs available for their benefit through Child Support Services.
If a parent needs to get a court order for either financial or medical support, their local child support agency can help. Many agencies will work with both parents to avoid the court process by creating an agreement for support that works for both parents while also supporting the needs of the child. North Coast Child Support can also enforce existing court orders for support and help keep track of payments to provide peace of mind for all. Services are free for parents enrolled in the Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program, all others pay only a $25 annual fee.
“Children are our community’s future, and their health and well-being are key to a vibrant community. That’s why at North Coast Child Support we strive to help parents with their financial responsibility for their kids,” said Lisa Dugan, director for North Coast Child Support. “We provide additional resources for parents, like free financial coaching, and helping them forge agreements on child support and time share without the stress of going to court. We want to be a part of a future where kids have all the resources they need to grow up and have a successful life. It’s a vision of the best possible community we can create together. Our future depends on it.”
Parents struggling to meet their child support obligations can find help as well. Those whose circumstances have changed since an order was set, such as job loss or change in custody or visitation, can seek a “modification” to reflect both parents’ current income and expenses and the time spent with the children. Those with qualifying unpaid child support debt can seek relief through a “Compromise of Arrears” program that may reduce a portion of the debt.
Child support payments provide a measure of financial stability for families and create better outcomes for children. It can be complicated, but the people of North Coast Child Support are ready to help.
For more information regarding North Coast Child Support visit our website.