Child support orders: problems with enforcement

Child support enforcement is a topic of major concern for millions of our children and for society as a whole. Nonreceipt of child support has serious financial implications for children living without one biological parent, including children of divorce. It also has serious financial consequences for our welfare system. An examination of the child support enforcement system reveals that it is currently in need of revision despite attempts at improvements in the past. Six key issues with regard to reform are discussed; however, there is disagreement as to whether a state-based approach, a federal approach, or some combination of the two should be used to accomplish reform. Recommendations as to what should be changed are offered by the author.