9.5.1 Noncustodial Parents

Two goals of Wisconsin Works (W-2) are:

To prepare parents to secure and maintain stable employment; and
To help parents achieve economic stability.

For this reason, W-2 agencies provide case management and employment services to eligible Noncustodial Parents (NCPs).

9.5.1.1 Benefits of Assisting Noncustodial Parents

W-2 offers eligible NCPsNCPsNoncustodial Parents a variety of employment services and programs including access to case management services, job search assistance, and subsidized employment through the Trial Employment Match Program (TEMP). (See 7.5.1)

Eligible NCPs may also qualify for:

Educational services;
Stipends for work preparation; and
Job Access Loans (JAL) to help pay for work equipment, car repairs, and other job-related expenses.

These services and programs help NCPs to gain employment skills, access educational opportunities, and sustain their involvement in the workforce. When NCPsNCPsNoncustodial Parents succeed, custodial parents and their children benefit.

The following table includes a list of potential benefits related to assisting NCPs.

Group	Potential Benefits
Noncustodial Parents	Higher wages and rates of employment; Ability to provide for their children; and Greater engagement with their children.
Custodial Parents	Greater financial and parental engagement from the NCP; and Greater ability to secure childcare and healthcare.
Children	Increased involvement with NCP; Greater academic success; Improved behavior and mental health; and Higher earning and rates of employment later in life.

9.5.1.2 Referrals for Noncustodial Parents

Many NCPs face complex challenges. NCPs may need assistance beyond what can be offered by W-2 to maintain employment and support their families.

Along with local resources, W-2 agency workers should be familiar with additional free or low cost services available to NCPs. Some examples of such programs are listed below.

Resource	Description
211 Wisconsin	Provides support and resources for a variety of complex issues. Trained specialists are available 24 hours a day to assist Wisconsinites with mental health, substance abuse, food security, utilities, and housing issues. 211 Wisconsin can refer callers to the thousands of local programs and services available.
FindTreatment.gov	Is a service provided by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to assist people in finding treatment facilities in their area. Substance abuse, mental health, health care, buprenorphine, and opioid facilities are available.
Job Center of Wisconsin	Connects job seekers with a diverse range of employers from across the state.
LIFT Wisconsin	Provides free legal assistance to people attempting to change child support orders, remove criminal records, remove eviction records, answer debt claims, and reinstate driver’s licenses.
Wisconsin Association of Free & Charitable Clinics	Provides primary care, dental care, and pharmaceuticals to uninsured and economically disadvantaged people.
Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity	Offers a resource directory that helps rural Wisconsinites access broadband internet, health services, housing, food, transportation, and more.