When two parents are not in a relationship with one another, it often means that one of them is the primary caregiver for any children they share and the other makes child support payments to that parent. Though many Texas parents meet their obligation to pay child support without any problem, some parents do not. One out-of-state program seeks to rectify that by helping fathers, who frequently are the ones making child support payments, honor their responsibility and stay connected to their kids.
The nonprofit was founded in 2010 and aims to help fathers stay involved in their children’s lives. It targets those who have difficulty making child support payments. One father was ordered by judge to utilize the program instead of being sent to jail for a third time for unpaid child support. The program offers job training, legal assistance, parenting classes and other helpful services. The man now makes his payments every month on time and interacts with his children on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, the nonprofit is attempting to navigate budget cuts that could severely impact its ability to help those that it serves. Organizers are appealing to state legislators in the hopes that more money can be allotted to keep the program running the way that it always has. Defenders of the program say that having a father in a child’s life makes a significant difference. Just last year, over 3,200 fathers utilized the nonprofit to better their relationship with almost 7,400 children.
Not every state is fortunate enough to have a program like this one available. Here in Texas, those who are struggling to make their court-ordered child support payments, or those who aren’t receiving payments from another parent have several legal options available. A skilled attorney can review a child support agreement to enforce its terms or with a view toward seeking a modification, or assist a parent who needs one to ensure that children are receive appropriate care.