Parents for Change

Program Overview

The Parents for Change Program is a problem-solving program designed to assist non-custodial parents in providing meaningful monetary support for the child/children and promote co-parenting. This program increases the number of non-custodial parents that contribute financially and emotionally to their children and helps the parent overcome the challenges that have led to their non-payment of child support.

The Parents for Change Program is a voluntary program and designed as an alternative to the court system, civil contempt and/or criminal non-support. Participation in the program will result in suspending contempt action initiated by the Seward County Child Support Office while enrolled in the program.

Program Goals

  1. Ensure that the current, past and future child support orders will be paid in a timely manner.
  2. Assist the non-custodial parent in gaining access to meaningful employment.
  3. Address any lifestyle barriers that may include physical, emotional, and substance abuse concerns through wrap-around services.
  4. Educate the non-custodial parent regarding various parenting topics.
  5. Act as a liaison between the custodial and non-custodial parent in order to improve their co-parenting relationships.
  6. Assist in establishing a meaningful relationship between the non-custodial parent and the child/children.

Program Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the Parents for Change Program, the following criteria must apply:

  • Must have a child support order under the jurisdiction of the Seward County Courts.
  • Must have a minimum of two month’s arrears in child support.
  • Adhere to any recommendations for substance abuse and/or mental health counseling.
  • Live within the State of Nebraska.
  • Must be committed to making progress toward their child support order.

Referral Process

Potential participants of the Parents for Change Program can become eligible for the program by referral of the local Child Support Enforcement Officer, County Attorney, the Court, or a request can be made by the non-custodial parent or his/her attorney.

Program Components

The Parents for Change Program duration is a minimum of one (1) year to a maximum of eighteen (18) months working through four (4) different phases. Once accepted, the participant is scheduled for an intake with the Case Manager. All participants shall:

  • Attend regularly scheduled appointments with his/her Case Manager.
  • Have employment or be actively seeking employment.
  • Attend and provide proof of completion of a Money Management Class and Parenting Classes.
  • Make payment toward his/her child support order according to their corresponding phase.
  • Adhere to any recommendations for substance abuse and/or mental health counseling.

Program Fees

The participant is responsible for a one-time payment of $200.00, which may be set up as monthly payments, to be paid at the successful completion of the program.

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