The first initiative is a new debit card for child support payments that will eliminate paper checks and increase availability and security of the funds. Custodial parents will be able to choose if they want to receive their payments via the new MasterCard-branded debit card or if they want their payments directly deposited into their bank account.
Custodial parents in Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset counties will be the first to benefit from the safe, fast and convenient way to receive child support payments. The program is expected to be rolled out statewide by the end of May.
The second initiative is a revamping of the child support website, www.njchildsupport.org, offering confidential access to individual cases as well as specialized areas for employers and staff and the third initiative is the new advertising campaign to increase awareness that a child needs emotional support in addition to financial support.
“To balance the federal checkbook, Washington will demand that our sick, our impoverished – and, our children – carry the load,” said Commissioner Davy. "Washington has taken aim at reducing New Jersey's ability to feed, care for and protect its vulnerable citizens. Funding for food stamps, for Medicaid, for Resource Families, and yes, for child support are all diminished. That's why these initiatives are so important.”
Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey agrees that these initiatives are key to supporting New Jersey families in a time when the federal government is not. “The DHS awareness campaign helps educate non-custodial parents about the need to step up and remain involved in their children's lives,” he said.
The overall advertising theme Child Support. It's more than just money has been reinterpreted this year as — She has your eyes. That's not enough. — to appear on NJ Transit buses, NJN commercials, in-theater slides and convenience store posters throughout the state. The $200,000 annual campaign stresses the importance of parental responsibility.
More than one million New Jersey children and families benefit from child support services each year. In FFY 2005, New Jersey collected and distributed $963.7 million. This is a 5.9 percent increase over FFY 2004.
