Child support Reform : Fourth report of session 2006-07, Vol. 2: Oral and written Evidence

Explains how to arrive at a fair child support settlement, discusses the problem of delinquent payments, and suggests ways to improve the system

This is an edited volume reviewing the major means-tested social programs in the United States. Each author addresses a major program or area, reviewing each area’s successes and recommending how to address shortcomings through policy change. In general, our means-tested programs do many things well, but some adjustments to each could make the system much more effective. This book provides policymakers with a broad overview of the issues at hand in each program and how to address them.

The proportion of children living in households headed by single women is more than one in five. There is concern (and some evidence) that children of single parents are less likely to be successful adults. The book discusses the trends in public debate about this problem. In particular, it examines the issue of providing public assistance to such families and whether doing so fosters long-term welfare dependency.

Nonpayment of child support is a reality of life in the 1990's. Most children living with only one parent live with their mother, and these families of women and children are four times more likely to suffer poverty than other families. This report -- resulting from a study by the Attorney General of Minnesota into the existing system of child support establishment, enforcement, and collection -- presents nine specific proposals aimed at simplifying the child support system, making it more effective at collecting support, and creatively tackling children's poverty as it relates to the nonpayment of support.