The Challenges of Child Support

and Re-entry
Minister Alfred Long

In my forty-six years of prison ministry, one of the largest obstacles to successful re-entry is the laws that pertain to child support. I believe every man is responsible for providing and supporting his children, and I’ve paid my share. However, the laws surrounding our incarcerated men are draconian at best. 

The intersection of child support obligations and re-entry into society after incarceration presents significant challenges for many individuals. Here are some key points outlining these difficulties:

Financial Strain

1. Accrued Debt: Many individuals accrue child support debt while incarcerated since they have little or no income to make payments. This debt continues to grow, often with interest and penalties.

2. Limited Employment Opportunities: Upon release, finding stable employment can be challenging due to a criminal record, making it difficult to meet child support obligations

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3. Wage Garnishment: If an individual does find employment, their wages can be garnished to cover child support arrears, leaving them with insufficient funds for basic living expenses.

Legal and Administrative Barriers

1. Modification Challenges: Incarcerated parents often struggle to get their child support orders modified due to a lack of legal representation or understanding of the process.

2. Lack of Coordination: There is often poor coordination between child support enforcement agencies and re-entry programs, leading to conflicting priorities and a lack of support for recently released individuals.

Social and Emotional Strain

1. Family Relationships: Incarceration and the inability to pay child support can strain relationships with children and other family members, complicating reintegration efforts.

2. Mental Health: The stress of managing child support obligations, finding employment, and reintegrating into society can take a toll on mental health, exacerbating the challenges of re-entry.

Potential Solutions

1. Suspending or Modifying Child Support During Incarceration: Policies that allow for the suspension or modification of child support orders during incarceration can help prevent debt accumulation.

2. Employment Programs: Re-entry programs that include job training and placement services can help individuals find stable employment, enabling them to meet their child support obligations.

3. Legal Assistance: Providing legal aid to help with child support modifications and understanding legal obligations can alleviate some of the administrative burden.

4. Coordinated Support Services: Integrating child support enforcement with re-entry programs can ensure that individuals receive comprehensive support to meet their financial and family responsibilities.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, legal systems, and social services to create a more supportive environment for individuals transitioning back into society while fulfilling their child support obligations.

I am starting an appeal to our elected officials to change some of these laws to help men become fathers who can provide for their kids without the burden of heavy-handed laws that ultimately hurt families more than help them.

Pastor Alfred Long Sr. is available to teach workshops about Prison Ministry, Addiction Recovery, Building Resilience, and other topics.

Contact information:

along@jacobslm.com

(314) 282-7220

jacobslm.com