More than 17 million children and their families receive child support (2007 data). The Center for Law and Social Policy has research, policy recommendations and other publications focusing on child support and families.

This policy brief from the Center for Law and Social Policy explains how sound child support policies can help incarcerated and re-entering fathers find and keep good jobs, reduce recidivism, and provide steady support to their children over time. (PDF)

Most low-income families with children don't get all of the help they should, partly because it is so hard to find out what's available and fill out the paperwork. This article, originally from the September-October 2004 issue of the Children's Advocate, published by Action Alliance for Children, shows how in California, community agencies are helping.

This bilingual initiative serves Hispanic girls ages 9-14, their mothers and other caregivers. A public education initiative, it is designed to help them build and enhance their own self-esteem, mental health, decision-making and assertiveness skills, and to prevent the harmful consequences of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.

In low-income households, when support payments actually reach children, rather than go to reimburse governments for program costs, they are more likely to be paid and in higher amounts. This policy paper explores best practices for state child support policies affecting low-income families.

The Center for Law and Social Policy concentrates on family policy and access to civil legal assistance for low-income families. Family policy projects include welfare reform, child care, child support enforcement and child welfare.

This agency provides statistics, publications and legislative updates regarding the government's role in ensuring child support.