Low-Income Noncustodial Fathers: Who Are They and What Are States Doing To Assist Them in Their Efforts To Pay Child Support?

This paper examines state efforts to provide employment and training programs for low-income, noncustodial fathers. This analysis is based on a telephone survey of state analysts responsible for overseeing these programs. The authors examine the economic position of noncustodial fathers to ascertain their ability to pay child support and how they might benefit from employment-related services. This profile is based on self-reported data from noncustodial fathers and custodial mothers derived from the Survey of Income and Program Participation conducted by the Census Bureau. The implications for improving state and local programs are also discussed.