Pursuing Justice: A Strategic Approach to Child Support Arrears in California


 

Publication Date: May 2002

Publisher: Center for Law and Social Policy

Author(s): Paula Roberts

Research Area: Social conditions

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

California is one of the states with a substantial amount of accumulated child support arrears. To address this problem, the state authorized the Urban Institute to analyze the arrears caseload and assess the likelihood of collection. Based on the Urban Institute analysis, CLASP developed this options paper, which describes steps the state might take to collect that which is collectible, prevent similar problems in the future, and develop an adjustment policy for those who can never fully pay. The paper is intended to model the kind of analysis states with similar arrearage problems might undertake. It also provides information current efforts in many states to deal with low-income non-custodial parents.