Child Support Awareness Month – what you need to know

August marks Child Support Awareness Month (CSAM) each year, which seeks to raise awareness of parents financially providing for their child until they come of age.

It started in 1995, when then-US President Bill Clinton recognised the month of August in light of the 20th anniversary of the Child Support Enforcement Program.

Although this event is mostly based in the United States, it’s still certainly relevant to child support policies, advice and support here in Great Britain. Here are some things you need to know about Child Support Awareness Month.

Financial support of children

When parents divorce, or their marriage is annulled, the one that does not live with the children full time contributes to the costs of looking after said children. They still have a responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of their children, even if they no longer live with their former spouse.
Factors such as the number of children, the hours they spend between the primary and secondary house, and the non-primary parent’s salary contribute to how much child support the non-primary parent pays.

Raising awareness – why CSAM is important?

Child support payments, and CSAM, are important as parents have a legal obligation to financially provide for their child(ren) and ensure that their needs are met until they reach adulthood. A parent who contributes payment to support their children even when they are not living together ensures that the youngsters can reach their full potential and get the best start in life.

Here at Beacon Fostering, we’re here to help with any questions you may have regarding foster care payments. For guidance and support, reach out today.