Listen

DHSS Press Release

Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Date: October 4, 2017
DHSS-10-2017

PARENTS PAYING OR RECEIVING CHILD SUPPORT NOW ELIGIBLE FOR ENHANCED EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 4, 2017) - Out of 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. Starting Oct. 1, the Division of Child Support Services' (DCSS) 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.
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," DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker said. "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."

Customers who would like to participate in the Employment and Training Program or have questions can contact the Division of Child Support Services' Customer Service Unit Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to speak with a Child Support Specialist:

In New Castle County, 302-577-7171.
In Kent County, 302-739-829
In Sussex County, 302-856-5386.

Or visit the division's website (http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dcss/ or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DelawareDCSS ) to obtain more information.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

PARENTS PAYING OR RECEIVING CHILD SUPPORT NOW ELIGIBLE FOR ENHANCED EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM

Delaware's Government