The goal of the Non-Custodial Parent Choices (NCP Choices) demonstration is to get unemployed and/or underemployed non-custodial parents (NCPs) with unpaid child support orders into workforce development services so that they can better meet their financial obligations to their children. 

Child support can be one of the most important sources of income in assisting single parent households to escape from poverty.  Despite significant gains over the last decade or so, receipt of child support among public assistance families remains low.  Many NCPs are unable to meet their financial obligations due to unemployment or underemployment.  Previous attempts to engage low-income NCPs in workforce development services have had success for some participants, but typically have problems meeting enrollment goals.  NCP Choices solves this in a straightforward manner: noncompliant NCPs are given the choice of paying their child support, participating in workforce services, or going to jail.

Texas Non-Custodial Parent Choices: Preliminary Program Impact Analysis (February 2007). Daniel Schroeder, Kelly Stewart Nichols, Elizabeth McGuinness; with Christopher T. King, Esmeralda Garcia, Sarah Looney Oldmixon, Andy David. Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, The University of Texas at Austin. 42pp.

Texas Non-Custodial Parent Choices: Program Impact Analysis (August 2007). Daniel Schroeder, Stephanie Chiarello, Kelly Stewart Nichols, Christopher T. King, Elizabeth McGuinness. Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, The University of Texas at Austin. 74pp.