Helping unemployed Parents to fulfill their child support responsibility

Michael White, Goodwill Child Support Specialist/Case Manager, with Brooklyn Family Court Magistrate Nicholas Palos

 

At Goodwill NYNJ, we believe that to better help people find work, we must offer ancillary services that will help them focus on securing that job that will enhance the lives of their families. As part of our Back 2 Work program since 2011, we’ve served non-custodial parents who are in arrears with child support, through STEP, our Support Through Employment Program.

Last week, five STEP participants graduated from STEP. The recognition took place at the Brooklyn Family Court. Parents who receive the certificate of completion have maintained employment for at least six months, they are paying Child Support on time, and continue to have regular contact with their child.

The Family Court developed STEP to provide Child Support services for individuals who have become unemployed or underemployed. Potential participants must have an active Child Support order. They are referred to Goodwill NYNJ mostly with a mandated status or others join voluntarily. For the most part, individuals usually participate for three months or until they find work.

Participants receive an Orientation and Assessment, and a skills placement exam to determine their skill level. We offer job training such as Food Handlers, Customer Service, and security training.  They participate in workshops, including Child Support, Paternity, Visitation rights, Custody, and how to navigate the Family Court and Child Support systems.

For more information about Goodwill NYNJ’s STEP, please contact Michael White, Child Support Specialist/Case Manager, at mwhite@goodwillnynj.org