Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for childcare assistance.
Impact
The removal of these requirements is expected to shift the landscape of childcare assistance within Rhode Island, as it aims to ease the eligibility criteria for many families struggling with legal and administrative hurdles associated with child support. By doing so, the bill intends to improve the chances of employment for parents by ensuring that they have access to necessary childcare without the burden of meeting conditional obligations related to paternity or support enforcement.
Summary
House Bill H7122 proposes a significant amendment to the Rhode Island Works Program, specifically eliminating the requirement for families to consent to and cooperate with the Department of Human Services regarding the establishment of paternity and the enforcement of child and medical support orders as a condition for receiving childcare assistance. This bill arises from a need to make childcare more accessible for families in need, particularly for those who may feel overwhelmed by the requirements currently in place.
Contention
Opponents of the bill may raise concerns about the implications of loosening these requirements, suggesting that the change could hinder the state's efforts to ensure that absent parents are held accountable for child support. There may fears regarding the increase in cases where paternity is not established thereby impacting children’s financial security and stability.ponents argue, however, that this bill is step toward inclusiveness, helping to support families otherwise might not receive assistance due to their to meet the existing conditions.