Governor Murphy Signs the Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act: What It Means for Families Involved with DCPP

On January 30, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy signed S-2331/A-3517, also known as the “Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act,” into law. This significant legislation establishes new procedures regarding the collection of child support on behalf of children in the custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP). For parents currently navigating the child welfare system, as well as those who have had past involvement with DCPP, this law has important implications.

What Does This Law Do?

The Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act is designed to address long-standing concerns about how child support is collected when a child enters DCPP custody. Previously, when a child was removed from a parent’s care and placed into foster care or another type of out-of-home placement, the state could seek reimbursement from the parents for the cost of that care through child support obligations. These payments were often collected aggressively, sometimes leading to significant financial hardship for already vulnerable families.

This new law seeks to reform that process by:

• Ensuring Fair Collection Practices: The law establishes guidelines that consider a parent’s financial ability to pay when determining support obligations related to a child in DCPP custody.
• Reducing Barriers to Family Reunification: By alleviating the financial burden of excessive child support arrears, the law helps parents focus on meeting DCPP requirements for reunification without being hindered by overwhelming debt.
• Addressing Past Arrears: The law provides a pathway for parents who have accrued significant arrears related to DCPP placements to seek relief, preventing them from being trapped in a cycle of debt.

Impact on Parents with Children Currently in DCPP Custody

For parents who currently have children in out-of-home placement, this law introduces a fairer approach to child support determinations. If you are facing child support obligations related to a DCPP placement, you may now have the opportunity to seek a reassessment based on your actual financial situation. This shift can help ensure that parents are not unfairly burdened with payments that make it more difficult to achieve reunification with their children.

What This Means for Parents Who Owe Child Support Arrears to DCPP

For parents who have had children in DCPP custody in the past and still owe arrears, this law may provide relief. Many parents have found themselves carrying thousands of dollars in debt to the state, which can negatively impact their ability to secure housing, employment, and financial stability.  The new law creates a process for reviewing and potentially reducing or eliminating these arrears, particularly in cases where the debt poses a significant hardship.

Governor Murphy’s signing of the Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act represents an important step toward fairness in New Jersey’s child support system. By addressing inequities in the collection process, this law helps parents focus on their ultimate goal—ensuring the well-being of their children and working toward family reunification whenever possible.

What’s Next?

If you are currently paying or owe back child support related to DCPP involvement, it is crucial to understand your rights under this new law. You may be eligible for a modification of your support obligations or a reduction in arrears. The family law attorneys at Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LLP are knowledgeable about this new legislation and can help you determine your options and navigate the process effectively. If you would like to discuss how this new legislation may impact your family, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at amackaronis@hoaglandlongo.com or at 732-545-4717 to schedule a free initial consultation.