Child Support Enforcement Reform: Can It Reduce the Welfare Dependency of Families of Never-Married Mothers?

Authors

Ann Nichols-Casebolt, Arizona State University
Marieka Klawitter, University of Wisconsin

Abstract

Among all groups of single-parent families, those created by a birth to an unmarried woman have the least likelihood of receiving child support and the greatest risk of becoming dependent on welfare. Wisconsin data indicate that child support reform-specifically the immediate income assignment-is improving child support payment performance. But the modest increases in payments to nonmarital children will have little effect on their welfare recipiency. The fathers of these children lack the economic resources to aid their families much in the short term. However, cost effectiveness should not be the only criterion used in enforcing child support. It is important to send the message to all parent that they are expected to assume responsibility for the children they bear.

Recommended Citation

Nichols-Casebolt, Ann and Klawitter, Marieka (1990) "Child Support Enforcement Reform: Can It Reduce the Welfare Dependency of Families of Never-Married Mothers?," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 17: Iss. 3, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1947
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol17/iss3/3