D.C. Launches Amnesty Program to Help Parents Catch Up on Child Support

August 19, 2025

The D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has launched the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) Amnesty Program, a temporary initiative running from August 11 to September 19, 2023, designed to help parents who are behind on child support payments. The program offers various relief options including halting enforcement actions like driver's license suspensions and bench warrants, while also providing opportunities for debt reduction through the Fresh Start Program and employment assistance through the Alternative Solutions Center. Announced during National Child Support Awareness Month, this initiative aims to remove barriers that prevent non-custodial parents from maintaining consistent financial support for their children while strengthening family relationships.

Who is affected

Non-custodial parents who are behind on child support payments
Children and families in the District's child support system
District residents struggling to make on-time child support payments
Parents who owe TANF arrears
Unemployed or underemployed parents with child support obligations

What action is being taken

The D.C. Child Support Services Division is implementing a temporary Amnesty Program from August 11 through September 19, 2023
CSSD is halting or postponing enforcement actions including driver's license suspensions, vehicle registration holds, pending contempt hearings, and bench warrants for qualifying parents
The Fresh Start Program is forgiving arrears in exchange for consecutive on-time payments or lump sum payments
The Alternative Solutions Center is providing employment assistance and pausing certain enforcement actions for unemployed or underemployed parents

Why it matters

The program helps reduce barriers that prevent consistent financial support for children
Without relief, child support arrears can lead to suspensions, court findings of contempt, and strained parent-child relationships
The initiative encourages strong, healthy families by helping non-custodial parents get back on track with payments
The child support system has historically helped reduce child poverty and strengthen family economic independence
The program provides an opportunity to rebuild consistency, restore connections, and strengthen families

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer