Report on CSPED Evaluation Participant Characteristics

Publication Date: January 29, 2019
Current as of:

This report  (PDF) describes the characteristics of participants in the National Child Support Noncustodial Parent Employment Demonstration  (CSPED) evaluation. Over 10,000 noncustodial parents enrolled in CSPED, a demonstration designed to test the efficacy of child support-led employment programs.

The report summarizes the results of a survey completed by participants at the time of enrollment. It shows that CSPED participants were a disadvantaged population with limited education, work histories, and earnings potential. Nearly 70% had a criminal record, making it difficult for them to find work. They also had complex family relationships — over 60% had children with two or more partners. Most CSPED participants did not live with all of their biological children at the time of enrollment, and 80% said they did not see their nonresident children as much as they wanted.

Disclaimers:

This report is not an OCSE publication. The Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin—Madison produced this report under contract to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, with funds from the CSPED evaluation grant awarded by OCSE to the state. This report is in the public domain. Permission to reproduce is not necessary.

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of OCSE, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.