The child support navigator pilot program is a result of a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Kent County Prosecutor’s office and Friend of the Court. The program is expected to help residents better maneuver the state’s often confusing child support system. Erin Frisch, Director of the Office of Child Support, explains who the program is intended for.
“It’s really for anyone with a child support case, so moms and dads. Could even be grandparents. It’s really meant for anyone who has questions, recognizing that the program can be confusing sometimes and challenging and we want to make it as easy and accessible as possible.”
Frisch says anyone with a child support case will be able to work with a specialist one-on-one, having questions answered about the status or actions that need to be taken regarding their specific case. She explains why Kent County was chosen for this program.
“Kent County has the demographic diversity we’re looking for and is a good enough size that we’ll be able to get good evaluation results as we study the effectiveness of this program.”
The program will be free to use for anyone with a child support case. Frisch emphasizes they hope the program will help take away the negative stigma associated with dealing with the child support system.
“This program is part of an overall goal to be more accessible and provide better service that is in line with what families today need, not necessarily just what the law or the rules say they have to have.”
The program is expected to launch in June of next year.
