Allow Parents to Work Off Child Support Debt by Rebuilding Our Communities
Allow Parents to Work Off Child Support Debt by Rebuilding Our Communities
The Issue
Across the United States, child support arrears have grown to more than $120 billion. Many parents who fall behind on payments want to support their children but face overwhelming debt that makes it nearly impossible to recover financially.
Current enforcement methods—such as license suspensions, wage garnishments, and even incarceration—often make the problem worse. Instead of helping parents become productive contributors, these measures can push struggling parents further out of the workforce.
It's time for a smarter solution.
The Build & Support Initiative proposes a voluntary program that would allow parents with child support arrears to work on public infrastructure and community improvement projects in exchange for structured reductions in their arrears balances.
Participants could contribute meaningful work to projects such as:
• Road and bridge repair
• Park and public space maintenance
• Disaster cleanup and recovery
• Housing rehabilitation
• Environmental restoration
In return, participants would earn credits toward their child support debt while gaining job experience and contributing to their communities.
This approach benefits everyone:
👨👩👧 Families benefit because parents have a real pathway to regain financial stability and continue supporting their children.
🏗️ Communities benefit because valuable infrastructure and public improvement projects receive additional workforce support.
💰 Taxpayers benefit because governments can reduce costly enforcement and incarceration efforts.
This is about creating opportunity, accountability, and stronger communities.
We call on lawmakers to introduce legislation establishing a pilot program for the Build & Support Initiative and explore this innovative approach to addressing child support arrears while strengthening our infrastructure.
If you believe parents should have the opportunity to work, contribute, and rebuild their lives while supporting their children, please sign and share this petition.
Together, we can build stronger families and stronger communities.
4
The Issue
Across the United States, child support arrears have grown to more than $120 billion. Many parents who fall behind on payments want to support their children but face overwhelming debt that makes it nearly impossible to recover financially.
Current enforcement methods—such as license suspensions, wage garnishments, and even incarceration—often make the problem worse. Instead of helping parents become productive contributors, these measures can push struggling parents further out of the workforce.
It's time for a smarter solution.
The Build & Support Initiative proposes a voluntary program that would allow parents with child support arrears to work on public infrastructure and community improvement projects in exchange for structured reductions in their arrears balances.
Participants could contribute meaningful work to projects such as:
• Road and bridge repair
• Park and public space maintenance
• Disaster cleanup and recovery
• Housing rehabilitation
• Environmental restoration
In return, participants would earn credits toward their child support debt while gaining job experience and contributing to their communities.
This approach benefits everyone:
👨👩👧 Families benefit because parents have a real pathway to regain financial stability and continue supporting their children.
🏗️ Communities benefit because valuable infrastructure and public improvement projects receive additional workforce support.
💰 Taxpayers benefit because governments can reduce costly enforcement and incarceration efforts.
This is about creating opportunity, accountability, and stronger communities.
We call on lawmakers to introduce legislation establishing a pilot program for the Build & Support Initiative and explore this innovative approach to addressing child support arrears while strengthening our infrastructure.
If you believe parents should have the opportunity to work, contribute, and rebuild their lives while supporting their children, please sign and share this petition.
Together, we can build stronger families and stronger communities.
4
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Petition created on March 10, 2026