Memo of Opposition to Welfare

New York Public Welfare Association

130 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210 (518) 465-9305

Sheila Harrigan, Executive Director www.nypwa.com

Memo in Opposition to S2091/A3657

"An act to amend the social services law, in relation to eligibility requirements

for child care assistance”

The New York Public Welfare Association strongly opposes this legislation

which would eliminate the requirement to pursue a child support order as a condition of

eligibility for child care assistance. The requirement to seek child support is a key

strategy for tackling child poverty and promoting child well-being in our state and should

not be rescinded. Child support is a conduit to providing economic stability and the

establishment of paternity ensures a child’s right to inheritance and other benefits.

Every opportunity to engage a parent in seeking child support is important.

Removing this requirement would eliminate a critical time to connect each parent to the

goal of involving non-custodial parents in supporting their children. Making the pursuit

of child support optional will not achieve the same results.

It is critical to note the flexibility that already exists under current rules.

Applicants only need to be seeking a child support order – they do not have to have one

in place. They have the right to establish good cause for not actively pursuing child

support and the policy (05-OCFS-ADM-03) identifies fourteen distinct reasons that

parents can use for this purpose including domestic violence concerns. We have

supported specific changes to the ADM which would simplify the process while still

retaining the requirement to seek a child support order as an important step in engaging

non-custodial parents in the support of their children.

There is intense competition for the limited pool of child care subsidies available

in New York State. The proposed change would expand eligibility without providing

additional resources. Instead, we need to maximize income to the family so that child

care is appropriately allocated to those in truest need.

The NYPWA opposes this legislation and recommends that it not be considered

for further action.

For information contact:

Sheila Harrigan, Executive Director