Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #312FY0102

Noncustodial Parent Employment Program

Requester:

Michael Bernstein

Organization:

Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services/Gulf Coast Community Care

Project Title:

Noncustodial Parent Employment Program

Date Submitted:

1/14/2002 9:38:13 AM

Sponsors:

Donald Sullivan

Statewide Interest:

This project is strongly supported by and assists the courts, Department of Revenue, and local workforce boards, generates millions of dollars in child support payments as in-kind match, has been independently evaluated for its effectiveness and is recognized as a national model.

Recipient:

Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services/Gulf Coast Community Care

Contact:

Michael Bernsten, President/CEO

14041 Icot Boulevard

Contact Phone:

(727) 538-7150

Clearwater, FL 33760

Counties:

Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas

Gov't Entity:

Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):

Yes

Project Description:

This request is for continuation funding for this nationally recognized project established in the Tampa Bay area in 1996 that has helped more than 4,000 court-ordered, unemployed noncustodial parents who owe child support and have children who are or have been on pubic assistance.� Program has been funded by the Legislature since 1996.� The program (1) increases the amount of court-ordered child support collected, (2) assists noncustodial parents to establish a pattern of regular child support payments by obtaining and maintaining unsubsidized emplyment, and (3) strengthens families by motivating absent parents to accept their parental responsibilities and help them improve their relationship with their children.

Measurable Outcome Anticipated:

75% of participants will obtain employment; 65% will be employed for 6 continuous months and paying child their suppport; 600 to be served during the fiscal year.� Program returns $4 for every $1 invested in the program; reduces welfare dependency; increases child support payments; strengthens families through increased parently contact; reduces workload for local courts/Department of Revenue.

Amount requested from the State for this project this year:

$750,000

Total cost of the project:

$750,000

Request has been made to fund:

Operations

What type of match exists for this project?

Local

In-Kind Amount:

$1,000,000

Was this project previously funded by the State?

Yes

Fiscal Year:

2001-2002

Amount:

$750,000

Is future-year funding likely to be requested?

Yes

Amount:

$750,000

Purpose for future year funding:

Recurring Operations

Will this be an annual request?

Yes

Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?

Yes

Agency:

Agency For Workforce Innovation

Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?

Yes

Is there a documented need for this project?

Yes

Documentation:

National/state laws prioritize collection of child support with many benefits to children/society

Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?

Yes

Hearing Body:

Pinellas County Legislative Delegation Meetings

Meeting Date:

11/15/2001