Connecticut Support Enforcement Services is taking a major step in helping those who are reentering society after prison have a say in a crucial aspect of their lives: paying child support. After months, or years, of having no voice, formerly incarcerated persons are encouraged to speak up, and create change.
Everyone wants parents to support their children, but the cold, hard fact is that not every parent can. This is especially true for formerly incarcerated persons. When some one returns to their community and is hit with a child support bill, it is almost a certainty that the person will not be able to pay it. Efforts will be made to obtain payment by Connecticut’s Support Enforcement Services because they are bound by law to do so.
A person who is released from prison faces a stigma for having a criminal conviction. Finding a job was always a major problem an ex-inmate. With today’s economy, and double digit employment rate in many cities, finding a job is often impossible. SES does not want to see a client become homeless, or resort to criminal activity to make child support payments.
Dalia Panke, SES Deputy Director, spoke at the New Haven Reentry Roundtable on September 21, 2010, telling participants that SES is willing to work with newly released community members, but have to follow guidelines. Some NHRT participants were very vocal in expressing their opinion that those on the Child Support Commission, as well as most magistrates, were out of touch with the reality of the situation. Panke stated that guidelines are reviewed every four years, and that they are under review at this time, so now is the time to suggest changes. The survey is concerned with all areas of child support and arrearage, and includes everyone, not just the formerly incarcerated. Panke stressed the importance of Connecticut residents taking part in this survey so that guidelines can be changed.
To take part in the survey go to http://www.ctdss.net/cssurvey/
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