KENNEWICK – There are still openings in a program providing free job training and support services for parents in Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla counties. Over the next two years the Families Forward Washington program, sponsored by the Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Division of Child Support, is expected to serve up to 100 parents who owe child support.
Parents who are eligible can receive free occupational training in jobs that are in demand, such as truck driving, machinist and industrial machinery mechanics, logistics and production work, and the medical secretarial field. Each participant receives 12 months of job development and retention services, career counseling, and assistance with child support issues through DSHS.
Families Forward helps not only employees but also employers by preparing individuals for jobs that are in strong demand locally. In addition, Families Forward is part of a study taking place with child support agencies in four states that is building evidence about what works to help parents who owe child support to increase their earnings and support their families.
“This program allows non-custodial parents a chance to rebuild their future and deepen their relationship with their children,” said Tiffany Scott, CEO of Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council.
Partnering with DSHS in the program are W.K. Kellogg Foundation, MDRC, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child Support Enforcement as well as the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council, Goodwill Industries of the Columbia and Columbia Basin College. The project is being partially federally funded through a waiver authorized by Section 1115 of the Social Security Act.
For more information about the DSHS Division of Child Support, visit www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/division-child-support.
###