Child Support Enforcement
Last year, more than 28 million American children lived in low-income families, and children lacking economic security at home face many disadvantages ranging from poorer health to lower achievement in school. For this reason, First Focus believes that federal investments in children, particularly investments that help lift them out of poverty, are essential to improving their health and ensuring their success in the future.
Child Support Enforcement is a Vital Program for Addressing Child Poverty
Child Support Enforcement is one of the most important federal investments in children, resulting in over $23 billion for families in 2005 alone. In fact, according to the Congressional Research Service, child support income reduced the poverty rate almost more than any safety net program. For families below the poverty level who receive child support, it typically accounts for 30% of family income. For families above the poverty level, the income percentage represented by child support funds is closer to 15%. Moreover, reliable child support appears to have a greater impact on children dollar for dollar than other types of income, including a positive effect on children’s achievement in school.
