The Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) in partnership with the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES), has a new initiative entitled the “Non-custodial Parent Employment Initiative.”  The objective of the program is to assist non-custodial parents who are unemployed to find gainful employment.  The program will provide participants employment-related services, including but not limited to in-depth assessments, referrals to job training programs, job placement programs, and career counseling programs.  The program will also refer participants to other services including but not limited to psychotherapy, drug abuse counseling, and alcohol abuse counseling.

For more information about the Non-custodial Parent Employment Initiative, please contact Tamiko Wilson at CSSD.DOES@dc.gov.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. What is the Non-custodial Parent (NCP) Employment Program?

The NCP Employment Program is a partnership between the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) that assists NCPs with child support orders in the District of Columbia who are unemployed to gain employment.

2. How do I qualify for the program?

You will qualify for the NCP Employment Program if you are a non-custodial parent and are unemployed.  Participants must obtain a referral for services from the CSSD First Response Unit (FRU).

3. How are services provided?

Through a DOES Manpower Development Specialist, located on-site in the CSSD office at 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 550 North, Tuesday-Friday, 8:15 am – 4:45 pm.

4. What services can I expect to receive?

The DOES Manpower Development Specialist will assess your employment readiness, provide résumé writing services, assist with your job search, and connect you to relevant training opportunities.

5. How can I schedule an appointment?

Please obtain a referral form from FRU.  FRU will forward the referral form to the DOES Manpower Development Specialist, who will then call you within twenty-four (24) hours to schedule an appointment.

6. What if I am not employment-ready?  Can I still receive help with training or other services?

The DOES Manpower Development Specialist can assist you to gauge your employment readiness and refer you to the necessary training and educational providers and other supportive services.

7. What criteria would make me ineligible to receive services through the NCP Employment Program?

The following items will make you ineligible for the NCP Employment Program:

• If you are employed;
• If you are paying child support arrears only;
• If you have not been voluntarily paying child support for at least eighteen (18) months;
• If you are currently receiving Social Security benefits;
• If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits; or
• If you were recently released from prison and are re-entering the community

8. Are there other employment-related services available to me if I am ineligible for services through the NCP Employment Program?

If you are a District of Columbia resident and do not meet the eligibility criteria for the NCP Employment Program, please contact your nearest DOES OneStop Career Center for employment and training assistance.  Orientations are conducted Monday – Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at both the Franklin Street OneStop Career Center (1500 Franklin Street, NE) and the Naylor Road OneStop Career Center (2626 Naylor Road, SE).  Additional information is available on the DOES website at www.does.dc.gov or you may call (202) 724-7000.