Texas Non-Custodial Parent Choices: Program Impact Analysis

The goal of providing NCP [Non-Custodial Parent] Choices program services to unemployed and underemployed non-custodial parents was to assist them in becoming responsible parents who can meet their financial and other obligations to their children. The impact analysis was designed to determine the extent to which those ordered into NCP Choices and their families benefit from the services received, in terms of increased payment of child support and other measures, as compared to similarly situated unemployed and low-income NCPs who are not offered such services. "Researchers conducted an analysis of [NCP Choices] program impacts on key outcome measures after several years of operation in the four original sites, and ... study the implementation and process of NCP Choices. This evaluation estimates program impacts on child support collections, workforce development participation, employment and earnings levels of NCPs, unemployment claims among NCPs, and TANF [Temporary Aid for Needy Families] receipt by the custodial parents. It also complements the previous implementation and process studies with analysis of an opinion survey of all staff in partner agencies in 10 NCP Choices sites" (p.viii). (Abstractor: Author and Website Staff)

Results indicated that, relative to the comparison group, NCPs ordered into the program: • Paid their child support 50% more often, and paid $54 per month more, for a 44% increase in total collections • Paid their child support 53% more consistently over time • Continued to pay their child support more often, in greater amounts, and more consistently over time even two to three years after the program • Were employed at 18% higher rates, an effect that also persisted at least two to three years after the program • Were about one quarter as likely to file an unemployment claim in any given month in the first two years after the program • Participated in NCP Choices workforce development 80% more than did the comparison group" (p.vi). (Abstractor: Author)

• Last Updated:
• Created:
• Resource Publication Date: 2008
• Author(s): Schroeder, Daniel; Chiarello, Stephanie
• Organizational Author(s): Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, The University of Texas at Austin
• Funding Source: Texas Office of the Attorney General, University of Texas at Austin
• Resource Availability: Publicly available
• Posted by: Wesley Peterson
• Posted in: Workforce System Strategies