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Employment training available to parents paying or receiving child support

October 13, 2017

Among the 81,176 child support cases in Delaware, many parents paying or receiving child support are either unemployed or underemployed, making it difficult for them to support their children financially and provide for their basic necessities.

As of Oct. 1, the Division of Child Support Services Delaware Fatherhood Program, with the support of the Division of Social Services, began referring parents to vendors who will assist them with employment and training, education and job search skills. This program is available in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.

"The goal is to help our customers obtain the education, job readiness and life skills to grow and become self-sufficient," said Ted Mermigos, director of the Division of Child Support Services. "The time and energy our customers put into succeeding in the program will aid and support them in obtaining and sustaining long-term employment opportunities."

Through the program, parents will have their needs assessed, receive support in seeking appropriate jobs, build contacts with potential employers, develop a job readiness plan, get application assistance, and develop improved interviewing and life skills.

If appropriate, referrals to budget management assistance, addiction and mental health treatment, or domestic violence interventions are also available.

"The Department of Health and Social Services is making great strides in growing the Delaware Fatherhood Program at the Division of Child Support Services," said DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker. "As a state of neighbors, Delaware wins in a big way when parents with child support cases find employment, become financially empowered, pay their child support, and develop parenting skills that support their children."

For more information, contact the Division of Child Support Services Customer Service Unit from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, to speak with a child support specialist in Sussex County at 302-856-5386 or go to http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dcss/.

 

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