Child Support 101: Building a Framework for Domestic Violence Advocates

This e-learning course is designed to provide community-based domestic violence advocates the foundational knowledge and tools needed to support survivors of domestic violence as they navigate the child support system. For survivors of domestic violence, financial stability is a critical tool to escape an unsafe situation. Child support can help a survivor obtain the necessary financial resources to build a life free from harm. At the same time, pursuing child support may present safety risks and legal challenges.

Advocates are often an important source of information, safety planning, and support. Understanding how child support works and the options available can make a difference in helping a survivor achieve lasting stability.

This training will provide the knowledge and practical applications that you, as an advocate, can apply to your day-to-day work:

• The first module introduces child support, its role in promoting financial stability for survivors, and the key processes involved in establishing and calculating child support.
• The second module examines the challenges and risks survivors may face when seeking child support, including safety concerns, financial control tactics by abusers, and systemic barriers.
• The third module explore safety modifications and strategies that can reduce risk and support survivor-defined safety. 

The SAVES Center is a five-year project funded by the Office of Child Support Services, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Award #90FD0253-01-00). The content of this page and resources created by SAVES Center staff do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Child Support Services, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.