Improving the U.S. Child Support System

Improving the U.S. child support system requires a shift toward equity, transparency, and holistic family support, especially for low-income households and noncustodial parents facing systemic barriers.

The child support system in the United States is essential to making sure kids get the money they require to succeed. However, scholars and supporters contend that the system frequently contradicts its own goals, especially when funds are taken out of the system to pay back government assistance programs rather than to families directly.

Calls for reform are gaining momentum, with experts urging changes that would send 100% of child support payments to families, reduce overwhelming arrears, and shift enforcement from punitive measures to family-centered support. This blog explains how modernizing technology, enhancing data collection, and aligning child support policies with broader human services is improving the U.S. child support system.

The Current System and Its Shortcomings

Under federal and state laws, child support payments collected on behalf of families receiving certain public assistance — such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or foster care — are often kept by the government to offset program costs.

For example:

• If a custodial parent receives TANF, the child support collected from the noncustodial parent may be sent to the state, not the family.
• In foster care cases, child support payments made by parents can also be intercepted to reimburse the state for the cost of care.

Advocates argue this creates a perverse incentive, where child support becomes a revenue source for governments rather than a lifeline for children.

Why Reform is Needed

1. Direct Support for Families – Sending all child support directly to families ensures children actually benefit from the money intended for them.
2. Reducing Poverty – Full pass-through payments can lift families out of poverty and reduce reliance on public assistance.
3. Encouraging Compliance – Parents are more willing to pay when they know the money directly supports their children, not government budgets.

Addressing Arrears

Child support debt, or arrears, is another pressing issue. In many states, arrears include not only unpaid support owed to the custodial parent but also debt owed to the state for welfare reimbursement. This can result in:

• Unrealistic debt loads for low-income parents.
• Accumulated interest that makes repayment nearly impossible.
• Continued economic instability for both parents and children.

Researchers recommend:

• Reducing or forgiving state-owed arrears.
• Allowing realistic payment plans based on income.
• Prioritising debt owed directly to families over government claims.

Reforming Enforcement Practices

Currently, child support enforcement often relies on punitive measures such as:

• Driver’s license suspension.
• Professional license revocation.
• Wage garnishment without negotiation.
• Jail time for nonpayment.

While intended to ensure compliance, these tactics can undermine a parent’s ability to earn income and pay support. Advocates propose:

• Replacing punitive measures with employment support programs.
• Offering mediation and financial counselling to help parents meet obligations.
• Using enforcement as a last resort, not a first step.

Policy Shifts Already Underway

Some states have begun implementing reforms, such as:

• Colorado and California passing laws to send more child support directly to families receiving TANF.
• Maryland forgiving millions in state-owed child support debt for low-income parents.
• Minnesota experimenting with alternative enforcement methods focused on job placement.

These examples show that a family-first approach is both possible and effective.

The U.S. child support system is meant to protect children’s financial well-being, yet current practices sometimes prioritise government cost recovery over family needs. By ensuring all payments go directly to families, reducing burdensome arrears, and reforming enforcement to support rather than penalise parents, policymakers can create a system that truly puts children first.

As more states pilot innovative reforms, the momentum is growing for a national shift toward a compassionate, family-centered child support framework that strengthens—not strains—households.

FAQs: Improving the U.S. Child Support System

1. Where does child support money go if the custodial parent is on TANF?

In many states, if a custodial parent receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child support payments collected from the noncustodial parent are kept by the state to reimburse welfare costs rather than going directly to the family.

2. What is the “pass-through” policy for child support?

A pass-through policy allows child support payments to go directly to the custodial parent and children instead of being intercepted by the government. Advocates want all states to adopt full pass-through so 100% of payments benefit families.

3. Why do advocates want to change child support arrears policies?

Many arrears are owed to the state, not to the family, for welfare reimbursement. This can create unrealistic debts for low-income parents. Reform advocates want to forgive or reduce state-owed arrears and focus repayment efforts on money owed directly to families.

4. How can enforcement practices harm low-income parents?

Punitive enforcement methods like driver’s license suspension, professional license revocation, or jail time can make it harder for parents to earn income, leading to even less ability to pay child support.

5. What alternatives to punitive enforcement are being proposed?

Alternatives include offering employment assistance, creating income-based repayment plans, using mediation, and providing financial counselling to help parents meet their obligations.

6. Are any states already reforming their child support systems?

Yes. States like Colorado, California, and Maryland have passed reforms that send more payments directly to families or forgive state-owed child support debt. Minnesota is testing employment-based enforcement approaches.

7. Would giving all child support to families increase compliance?

Research suggests that when parents know their payments directly benefit their children — rather than reimbursing the government — they are more likely to pay consistently and on time.