Child Support Services Division Program Aims to Increase Noncustodial Parent Involvement

Child support is a critical legal and moral responsibility for parents who don’t reside with their sons and daughters. In South Carolina, the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) is responsible for seeing that payments are provided in accordance with court orders. Of course, being a good parent involves much more than meeting a child’s financial needs. Now, the CSSD has started a program designed to help noncustodial parents provide more of a positive influence. 

Available in some counties throughout the state, CSSD’s Visitation Involvement Parenting (VIP) pilot program offers mediation services to help co-parents develop a practical so their children can maintain meaningful relationships with both parents. By giving both parents a say in the resolution, mediation encourages adherence to the terms that are negotiated. Hopefully, mothers and fathers can use this form of alternative dispute resolution to construct a visitation schedule tailored to the specific circumstances.  

Some child support disputes stem from the fact that the paying parent has difficulty earning a steady income. VIP offers assistance by connecting parents with job-readiness resources and training. Parties to a child support order also can get information about modification and enforcement of child support orders so that the emerging issues can be addressed promptly. For VIP eligibility, the custodial parent and child must live in one of the 16 pilot counties. The other parent must live in the same county or be willing to travel the custodial parent’s county for classes and mediation services. 

Where available, the services provided by VIP might be very useful to South Carolina mothers and fathers, but CSSD cannot represent either parent in custody or visitation disputes. Reaching out to a qualified family law attorney can help you petition for court action that bolsters your relationship with your child and promotes an environment where they are supported financially and emotionally.

McManaway Law, LLC in advocates for Upstate South Carolina parents in all types of matters relating to child support, custody and visitation. My firm is committed to learning about your specific situation and needs in order to identify the best possible solution. For a consultation, please call 864-428-8912 or contact me online. My office is located in Greenville.