Wisconsin Works (W-2)
Non-Custodial Parent Services
There are two programs that serve non-custodial parents in Wisconsin: the W-2 Non-custodial Parent Program and the Children First Program. These programs provide case management, job search and job retention services to non-custodial parents to facilitate their entry into the unsubsidized labor market and to help them retain employment. Unsubsidized employment will increase their capacity to make consistent child support payments for the benefit of their minor children.
Non-custodial Parent Program
The W-2 Non-Custodial Parent (NCP) Program is a voluntary program for the unemployed or underemployed NCP who desires case management services. To participate, the NCP must cooperate with efforts to establish paternity and any existing child support orders. The custodial parent must also be participating in a W-2 employment position. In addition to case management services, the W-2 agency may provide NCPs with job search assistance, job skills training, basic education, and/or work experience opportunities.
Concurrently with case management, job search, and employment and training assistance, a successful program creates a balance between family and work to provide a stable environment which benefits the child(ren), the custodial parent, and the non-custodial parent.
Both parents have a responsibility to provide for their families. Regular child support payments, combined with employment, will help the W-2 custodial parent toward self-sufficiency. Depending on each case situation, a portion or all of the child support payments made by the non-custodial parent will pass through to the W-2 custodial parent. In addition, it is expected that by meeting their financial obligation, NCPs will also demonstrate enhanced contact with, and emotional investment in their children.
Children First Program
Children First promotes the emotional and financial responsibility of the NCP to his or her children. Children First operates through a voluntary partnership with the W-2 agency, the child support agency, and the county/tribal judicial system. Currently there are 40 programs (39 counties and 1 tribal agency) operating in Wisconsin that serve almost 4,000 NCPs annually.
Children First requires a court order mandating NCP participation in the program. The NCP may be ordered to participate in Children First if he/she has no current means of meeting a child support obligation, is behind in child support payments, and does not work full-time. Children First operates concurrently with the W-2 program.
The program provides, at a minimum, job search assistance, work experience, education and training opportunities, and case management services designed to assist eligible NCPs in obtaining and retaining employment. An NCP successfully completes Children First when he/she pays his/her child support payment for 3 consecutive months or completes 16 weeks of employment and training activities.