Child Support Policies that Support Fathers Benefit Children and Families
At the Center for Child Support Policy (CCSP) we believe that strengthening families means supporting every member — mothers, children, and fathers. Engaged fathers have a profound positive effect on children’s lives by improving academic performance, long-term health, and emotional intelligence. Research also shows that fathers who are supported in their parenting roles experience increased well-being, greater community connection, and economic stability.
Why the Child Support Program Must Speak Out Against Cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and Other Supports for Families
In times of political uncertainty, when key social support programs like SNAP and Medicaid come under threat, there’s often a strong institutional inclination to stay quiet. The logic is familiar to child support: these aren’t “our” programs. We recognize that speaking out carries risk in today’s political climate. Taking a stand — especially as a public agency or child support organization — can feel like overstepping our mission or drawing unwanted attention. But silence, even well-intentioned silence, is not neutrality. And it’s not leadership.
Child support should go to families, not the government.
Imagine a father working full-time at a low-wage job, doing his best to stay afloat while consistently paying child support for his daughter. Even with rising costs for everyday essentials, he prioritizes those payments because he loves his daughter and knows she relies on that financial support.
Now imagine his surprise when he learns that the money he’s sending isn’t reaching her at all…