Transforming Child Support: A New Approach

In this episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, Pastor Eli Williams speaks with Susan A. Brown, the director of Franklin County Child Support. They discuss the importance of fatherhood advocacy, the impact of engaged fathers, and the evolution of child support systems. Susan shares her personal father's story and how it shaped her career, as well as the transformative changes in Franklin County's approach to child support, focusing on humanizing the process and building trust with fathers. They explore the role of behavioral economics and procedural justice in improving participation and outcomes for families. In this conversation, Susan A. Brown discusses the complexities of child support, particularly how individuals in poverty face punitive actions due to their inability to pay. She emphasizes the importance of a supportive approach to fatherhood, highlighting innovative programs and community collaborations aimed at providing holistic support to fathers. The discussion also covers the significance of mediation and communication in navigating child support issues, ultimately stressing that fathers play a crucial role in their children's development. Takeaways - Susan Brown emphasizes the importance of engaged fathers in children's lives. - Her father's influence instilled confidence and independence in her. - Franklin County Child Support has shifted from a collection-focused approach to a more supportive model. - The agency collaborates with community partners to empower fathers. - Behavioral economics helps understand and improve participation in child support programs. - Simplifying processes can significantly increase engagement rates. - Procedural justice principles foster trust between the agency and families. - Positive imagery in the agency can change perceptions of child support. - Building relationships with fathers leads to better outcomes for children. - Supportive approaches are essential for fathers in need. - Community collaborations enhance the effectiveness of child support services. - Mediation can lead to customized child support orders. - Communication with case managers is vital for fathers. - Fathers should be engaged in their child support cases. - Fathers are essential to their children's development. - Understanding the child support process can empower fathers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood Advocacy 01:18 Susan's Father's Story and Its Impact 05:53 The Evolution of Child Support in Franklin County 11:00 Humanizing the Child Support Process 16:47 Behavioral Economics in Child Support 22:27 Procedural Justice and Building Trust 25:59 Understanding Child Support Dynamics 32:12 Innovative Approaches to Fatherhood Support 39:42 Collaborative Community Efforts 48:43 Key Takeaways for Fathers on Child Support To reach Franklin County Child Support call 614-525-3275 To read the Fathering Strong blog post, "Child Support - Things You Need to Know" go to https://urbanlight.org/child-support/