More Information on Child Support
I am continuing to look at websites about child support payments in states in which abortion is illegal.
First, I learned that part of the Social Security law, Title IV-D, governs child support. States MUST ensure that both parents are paying for a child before offering any benefits. On the one hand, this makes sense — if a non-custodial parent can and isn’t paying child support, then before tax dollars are used to help with the support of that child, the non-custodial parent should be asked to step up. The law is about financial and medical support, and both parents are responsible for the costs of the child and the cost of providing them with health insurance.
The federal government offers this brochure: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ocse/cs_when_you_are_afraid_of_the_other_parent.pdf
It starts with this question:
Do you want child support but are afraid of how your current or former partner/spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend may react to a child support case?”
While they are clearly trying to be inclusive, this statement hides rapists and one-night stands from the mix. A better statement might be, “Do you want child support but are afraid of being in contact with the other parent or of their reaction to this request?”
The brochure acknowledges that every state handles these issues differently and provides a handy list of questions and issues to keep in mind while dealing with the state agency. At the end, the brochure says:
“Provide information about safety concerns EVERY TIME you contact an agency.” (emphasis theirs)
I’m tired just reading that. The idea that I would have to tell people every single time I call or talk to them about something deeply private and traumatizing is just exhausting. Plus, don’t we have the technology to put this information in ONCE to someone’s record? And then the computer can flag the situation for the social workers or government agency every time?
So! Given that all states have to find the Non-Custodial Parent (NCP!) anytime someone asks for assistance with child expenses, let’s see how often states in which abortion is illegal, have safeguards in place for women who may need to get assistance after having a baby because of rape. Texas, Tennessee, and South Dakota are in a previous post.
Oklahoma — First, I should note that I previously thought Oklahoma did have an exception for rape, but they amended the law around abortion, and now it is only permissable in cases risking the life of the mother.
Oklahoma, (https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/child-support-services/info-for-parents.htm) like South Dakota, only discusses situations of family violence in the FAQs. They also require child support payment information before allowing TANF.
Missouri — I found nothing on the Missouri Child Support website about what to do if the other parent is violent or abusive. (https://dss.mo.gov/child-support/custodial-parent/index.htm). If someone does find this information, please include it in the comments. Thank you.
Louisiana — Again, I couldn’t find anything about domestic violence or similar issues on the Louisiana Child Support Enforcement website. https://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/CSE.
They did mention that child support means that a child deserves emotional, financial, and medical support from both parents.
Kentucky — Again NOTHING! I’m getting nervous that I’m just missing them all. https://csws.chfs.ky.gov/csws
Arkansas — https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/child-support/ Buried in “New to OCSE” (office of child support enforcement) is a webpage about safety. https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/child-support/new-to-ocse-2/pursuing-child-support-safely/
For parents who have experienced family violence, the child support process may introduce safety concerns. OCSE shares these concerns. If you worry that receiving child support could put your or your children in danger from the other parent in your case, call the child support office assigned to your case immediately.
To access the website for Arkansas, I had to demonstrate that I am not a robot by typing in slightly masked letters.
For some reason, my internet connection started refusing to download child support websites, including Alabama, North Dakota, and West Virginia, so I’m going to have to try those at a later date. For now, we know that many states do not make it easy for a custodial parent to feel safe seeking payments from a noncustodial parent, which they MUST do in order to have any benefits for their child, including health care.
