BROOKLYN, NY - The Kings County Parent Support Program celebrated its 10th graduation ceremony Wednesday at the Kings County Family Court in Downtown Brooklyn.
As an audience of attorneys, court staff, family members, and representatives of community-based groups looked on, the 27 graduates, received certificates of recognition for completing the program.
A collaboration of the Center for Court Innovation, the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the New York City Human Resources Administration, and Kings County Family Court, the Parent Support Program helps non-custodial parents meet their child support obligations and build stronger relationships with their children by connecting them with a range services, including job skills development, vocational training, case management, family life skills classes, continuing education and literacy classes, legal advice and representation, transportation assistance, and child care.
Kyle H. Ishmael, the former director of employment services at the Office of Child Support Enforcement, delivered the keynote speech at the graduation, congratulating the graduates on their accomplishment. Other speakers included Kings County Family Court Judge Amanda White, Support Magistrate Nicholas Palos, and Liberty Aldrich of the Center for Court Innovation.
Program graduates made brief speeches about their experiences in the program; some spoke of their experiences as parents and the importance of their relationships with their children. With the help of the Parent Support Program, graduates contributed $80,000 toward the care of their children. Since its founding in 2011, the Parent Support Program has helped 171 participants make more than $735,000 in total child support payments.
“Our participants see the Parent Support Program as a second chance,” said Andree Tenemás-Chavez, resource coordinator for the program. “We provide services and support, and they’re treated with respect. And that is so key in helping them on the path toward financial stability, helping them meet their child support obligations, and strengthening their relationships with their children.”