Cass County launches program to help strugging parents
“Many of the child support payers in our community struggle with transportation and other issues that impact their ability to regularly meet their child support obligations,” Cass County Friend of the Court Director Sarah Mathews said.
Cass County Friend of the Court has announced a new program to assist individuals struggling to make child support payments. The Alternative Contempt Track (ACT) program, launched by the Friend of the Court, aims to address underlying issues preventing consistent payments and promote parental involvement.
The voluntary, year-long program offers participants personalized support from a Friend of the Court Program Services Co-Ordinator. Participants will work on a case service plan tailored to their specific circumstances, addressing challenges such as unemployment, homelessness, transportation issues, substance abuse, and lack of education.
“Many of the child support payers in our community struggle with transportation and other issues that impact their ability to regularly meet their child support obligations,” Cass County Friend of the Court Director Sarah Mathews said. “The ACT program provides an opportunity for the Friend of the Court to connect parents with the resources they need to get on track with their child support payments. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and the ACT program allows payers of child support a way to connect with this village.”
The ACT program emphasizes connecting payers with community service providers to overcome obstacles and actively participate in their children’s lives. Participants will have regular check-ins with their coordinator and bi-monthly hearings with Probate/Family Court Judge Carol M. Bealor to review progress and adjust their plans as needed.
The Cass County Friend of the Court joins Allegan, Ottawa, Emmet, and St. Clair Counties in offering this innovative program, which was made possible by a 2015 amendment to the Support and Parenting Time Act. The program was approved by the State Court Administrator’s Office after the Cass County Friend of the Court submitted a plan for the program.
Individuals interested in participating in the ACT program, either as payers or support providers, are encouraged to contact Cass County Friend of the Court Program Services Coordinator Amanda Wicker at (269) 445-4436.
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