The child support policy was first signed into law in 1975 by President Gerald Ford. The then Social Security amendments included creating a federal child support enforcement program. The policies on child support have evolved significantly since the 1970s. Thee policy changes have several effects on no-custodial parents, custodial parents and their respective children. The act passed in 1974 enforced obligations by absent parents to support their children and spouse. It was also meant to help locate missing parents, determine paternity and help assure children and spouses that they will get support. Full enforcement of this law would help the congress reduce public assistance expenditures.
In 1976, the Unemployment Compensation Amendment was made. It required state employers to provide the necessary information on non-custodial parents. Such a parent’s application for, receipt of, unemployment insurance benefits were also to be reported since they were all responses to offers of employment. In 1977, amendments were made to the Medicare, Anti-fraud and Abuse act to provide for enforcement of medical support to children or (ex) spouse. Hospitals could also collect medical support amounts an individual spent. This was the basis of the 1987 enforcement where children or a spouse were eligible for Medicaid services if the parent or partner is absent.
Congress passed new laws on the enforcement of child support programs by changing the Social security Act in 1978. A uniform law on bankruptcies was established to bar parents from being declared bankrupt when they have child support responsibilities. Absent spouses or parents were expected to support their spouse or child under separation agreements, property settlements or divorce decrees. Financial bodies were allowed to access and disclose this information in case of any violations.
In 1980, amendments were made to the Social Security Disability to include IRS records to access information on child support. Federal systems were also enhanced to process financial information. This was to help enforce child support obligations. It also ensured federal cost-sharing of costs of administration. In 1981, congress passed a new act that ensured collection of past-due information on child support. Treasury was given authority to hold onto yearly personal income taxes refunds that were owed as child support.
Amendments done in 1984 gave the federal government a lot of control and oversight of the child support program. This was to ensure uniformity in the enforcement of child support laws in all states. In 1996, the welfare reform act was passed. The law ended cash public assistance and changed it into temporary aid for needy families. The policies have kept changing to close up any loopholes where absent parents, custodial and non-custodial parents from escaping their child support responsibilities.
The impacts of the policies have been beneficial to custodial and non-custodial parents and children. Single divorced parents have benefited significantly because they have been able to support their children using the child support from the other partner. The children’s welfare has also improved because they receive help from their parents regardless of whether they have custody or not. The parents are obliged to support the children hence; they get sufficient care and funding. Non-custodial parents have benefited in a manner that they can see their children and interact with them because they provide for them. Child support policy enforcement has improved child welfare and enhanced responsibility for custodial and non-custodial parents.
References
Morgan, L. (2012, June 30). Child Support Enforcement in the United States and the Role of the Private Bar. Retrieved December 09, 2012, from Child Support Enforcement Council: http://www.csecouncil.org/industry/reports/role-of-bar/
Sorensen, E., & Halpern, A. (2000, April 15). Child Support Enforcement Is Working Better Than We Think. Retrieved December 09, 2012, from Urban Institute: http://www.urban.org/publications/309445.html
