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SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) is recognizing August 2022 as Child Support Awareness Month, and is encouraging non-custodial parents to participate in the agency’s STEPUp! Program. 

The Supporting, Training and Employing Parents Upwards (“STEPUp!”) Program launched in 2019 by the Gov. Lujan Grisham administration, partners HSD with the Department of Workforce Solutions to assist non-custodial parents with job development and job opportunities, and has since expanded statewide. 

The program today focuses on identifying  employers who are looking for qualified employees. It provides job training and works with parents to find jobs to help support their children and avoid further enforcement actions.

“We hope more parents who need help will connect to the STEPUp! Program and take advantage of the tools offered to support their children,” said David R. Scrase, MD, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department.

“This program helps non-custodial parents find jobs who are behind in paying their child support instead of taking them to court.”

“The Department of Workforce Solutions is committed to the continuation and expansion of this partnership,” said Marcos Martinez, acting secretary for the Department of Workforce Solutions. “We know the important role that employment plays in the family dynamic and our career consultants are ready and prepared to assist parents in career exploration, resume building, interview skills, and job placement.”

Individuals with questions about any of the Child Support Enforcement Month activities may contact the HSD Consolidated Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465.

A copy of the Governor’s August Child Support Awareness Month Proclamation can be found here.