At the 2017 National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA) Leadership Symposium, San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) received the collaboration and Innovative Partnership Award for the “Bridges to Employment” Program. Bridges to Employment is a collaborative partnership between San Bernardino DCSS and the county’s Workforce Development Department (WDD) focused on helping customers find jobs.
Bridges to Employment was born out of the concept that if we partner with parents owing child support to address obstacles like unemployment that are preventing them from paying their child support, they can become successful, resulting in reliable payments for their families. To assist with this challenge, San Bernardino DCSS identified WDD and the America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC) as ideal partners. The AJCC offers employment services to unemployed and underemployed customers through grants and partnerships with local employers and vocational training providers.
Staff from both departments participated in strategy sessions that developed a referral process and forms, evaluations for the effectiveness of referrals, a report-back mechanism on customer participation, and a review process to make adjustments to the program, ensuring customers can maximize the benefit of the services offered. San Bernardino DCSS provided internal staff with information on the concept and goals of the Bridges to employment Program, as well as the referral process when a caseworker or attorney identifies a parent who needs employment assistance. When the parent goes into the AJCC, they are offered assistance with an initial assessment, case management services, employment workshops, job development, and placement assistance. Advisors are available for one-on-one assistance, as needed, for resume writing, interview skills, and vocational training opportunities.
As an incentive for participation, there can be a conditional release of any driver’s license suspensions so the parent can actively participate in the program. With the parent’s permission, the AJCC can share information on the parent’s progress.
The Bridges to Employment Program has been a great success. Since October, 149 parents have successfully enrolled for services, and 43% secured employment, which has helped them meet their obligation to help support their families. Other benefits include public assistance cost avoidance, long-term financial independence and self-sufficiency, and improved reliability of family support.
By partnering with the customer and organizations who can provide additional services, San Bernardino DCSS has developed a great model for helping customers achieve long-term success for themselves and their families.
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