NYS recognizes Child Support Awareness Month in August
NYS recognizes Child Support Awareness Month in August Plattsburgh Press Republican
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New York State Agencies Focus on Child Support and Domestic Violence
Introduction
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) have acknowledged Child Support Awareness Month in August by organizing listening sessions in two upstate counties. These sessions aim to gather input on how to make the child support process safer for domestic violence survivors.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Pilot Program for Safe Access
OTDA and OPDV are collaborating on a federally funded pilot program called the Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security demonstration. This program aims to develop and test new approaches to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers pursuing child support.
“As we highlight Child Support Awareness Month, we must also recognize the important role child support can play in helping the survivors of domestic violence achieve financial independence,” said Barbara C. Guinn, Acting Commissioner of OTDA.
Impact Expert Advisory Groups
New York’s Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security demonstration has partnered with local domestic violence programs in 12 counties to establish Impact Expert Advisory Groups. These groups gather feedback from survivors on how to improve access to child support services. Listening sessions have already been conducted, and two more are planned for this month in Wayne and Chautauqua counties.
Enhancing Accessibility for Survivors
“Too often, survivors of domestic and gender-based violence cannot safely access the systems of service that New York State provides – this is especially true of child support services,” said Kelli Owens, Executive Director of OPDV. “The SAVES program will allow child support services to become more accessible to survivors and will ultimately increase the number of survivors who seek out child support services.”
Governor’s Proclamation
Gov. Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation designating August as Child Support Awareness Month in New York State. The proclamation highlights the important role of New York’s Child Support Program in reducing child poverty, enhancing the economic stability of families, and promoting parental involvement.
New York’s Child Support Program
Administered by OTDA, New York’s Child Support Program assists in establishing parentage and child support orders for over 525,000 children and youth annually. In the previous year, the program collected and disbursed more than $1.65 billion in child support.
Funding for Safe Access
New York is one of 13 sites nationwide to receive funding through the Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security demonstration grant from the Administration for Children and Families. The state has been awarded over $1.5 million over five years to enhance safe access to child support and related services for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Comprehensive Policies and Procedures
OTDA and OPDV are working with local partners to develop and implement comprehensive policies and procedures to enhance safety in various aspects of the child support process. These include establishing parentage, implementing child support and visitation orders, connecting survivors to support services, addressing disparities caused by victimization, and adopting case management strategies.
Listening Sessions
The Domestic Violence Program of Fulton County and the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley have already hosted listening sessions. Additional sessions will be hosted by the Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes in Wayne County on August 17 and the ANEW Center in Chautauqua County on August 23. The goal of these sessions is to gather feedback from survivors on safety risks associated with the child support process and suggestions for improvements.
Contact Information
Survivors interested in participating in the sessions should reach out to the host providers directly. They may also send an email to SAVES_information@opdv.ny.gov for additional information.
About OPDV
The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is the country’s only Cabinet-level agency dedicated to gender-based violence. OPDV works to improve New York State’s response to and prevention of domestic and sexual violence through policy, programming, and public awareness. The agency also collaborates with local providers to ensure survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services.
Support Services
New York State’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 and is available in most languages. Individuals can call 800-942-6906, text 844-997-2121, or chat at @opdv.ny.gov. They can also visit www.ovs.ny.gov/connect to find a victim assistance program in their community.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses child support services for domestic violence survivors, which relates to poverty reduction (SDG 1) by helping survivors achieve financial independence. It also addresses gender equality (SDG 5) by recognizing financial abuse as a common form of domestic violence and aiming to make child support services more accessible to survivors. The article touches on reduced inequalities (SDG 10) by addressing disparities in access to child support caused by victimization. Lastly, it connects to peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) by working towards enhancing safety and improving the child support process for survivors.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
The article aligns with Target 1.2 by aiming to reduce poverty among domestic violence survivors through improved access to child support services. It also relates to Target 5.2 by addressing violence against women and girls, specifically financial abuse. Target 10.2 is relevant as the article seeks to enhance the inclusion of survivors in child support services, regardless of their victimization status. Lastly, the article connects to Target 16.3 by working towards equal access to justice and improving the child support process for survivors.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Proportion of domestic violence survivors accessing child support services
- Number of survivors providing feedback on safety risks associated with the child support process
- Number of improvements made to the child support process based on survivor feedback
- Reduction in financial abuse cases within domestic violence situations
These indicators can help measure progress towards the targets by tracking the level of survivor engagement with child support services, the effectiveness of improvements made, and the reduction in financial abuse cases.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. | – Proportion of domestic violence survivors accessing child support services |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | – Number of improvements made to the child support process based on survivor feedback – Reduction in financial abuse cases within domestic violence situations |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Number of survivors providing feedback on safety risks associated with the child support process |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | – Number of survivors accessing child support services – Number of improvements made to the child support process based on survivor feedback |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: pressrepublican.com
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