Child Support Awareness Month
Ensuring the well-being of our children, providing them with the care and resources they need, is a fundamental commitment in our society.
Child support is a court ordered mandate that is usually payment made by the non-custodial parent so that an underage child has the financial support that they need. These payments are typically ongoing and periodic, usually made every month to the parent who has primary custody of the child. Many times the exact details of the child support are determined by state law or by a judge.
The foundational purpose of child support is to share the costs of raising a child. And while most parents who are supposed to pay child support do so, there are some who don’t do as they should.
Child Support Awareness Month is observed to provide assistance, encouragement and resources to the millions of children and families who are affected by or involved with child support.
History of Child Support Awareness Month
Child Support Awareness Month got its start in 1995 when it was declared by then US President Bill Clinton. The event was established in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Child Support Enforcement Program.
The purpose of the Child Support Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the need and make sure that all children have the financial support to live and thrive. Each year, different government agencies and child welfare organizations recognize the month by promoting it with the public in a variety of ways.
How to Observe Child Support Awareness Month
Consider some of these ideas and plans to observe and raise attention regarding National Child Support Awareness Month:
Learn Some Facts About Child Support
One good way to observe and celebrate National Child Support Awareness Month is to get educated and informed about the families who are affected by it. Consider some of these facts and statistics about child support:
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More than 19 million children, or more than 25% of American children, are owed child support.
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Approximately 60% of custodial parents have an award or agreement related to child support.
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For custodial parents below the poverty level, their child support may represent approximately 70% of their income.
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90% of child support agreements involve a father who is to pay child support to the mother who has custody.
Make a Donation
Some children and parents who are waiting to receive child support find themselves in dire circumstances when they have to go without basic needs such as paying rent or buying groceries. A number of different charities are available to help provide gap payments for those families who are in need when their child support isn’t coming through. National Child Support Awareness Month might be a good time to make a financial donation to help these families through a charity.
Access Resources for Child Support Awareness
The US Office of Child Support Services offers a range of resources and tools for individuals and organizations who are bringing attention to the cause. Observe National Child Support Awareness Month by accessing some of these resources such as infographics, videos, newsletters, virtual backgrounds and much more.
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