This brief outlines why states should strongly consider removing any child support enforcement requirements from state child care assistance policies. States funded under the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) are currently able to require child care subsidy recipients to cooperate with the child support program as a condition of eligibility. However, recognizing the barriers that this policy inflicts on families that simply want to return to work, most states have chosen not to adopt it or have removed child support enforcement from the subsidy process. In addition to adding burdensome family requirements, this policy can negatively impact young children and potentially damage healthy relationships that are so essential to early brain development.
Open Letter
Why Home Visiting Is More Essential Than Ever
In this open letter, Dr. Meghan López focuses on how relationship-based home visiting supports families by building trust, addressing complex needs, and strengthening systems around them.
