The Alternative Solutions Center (ASC) is designed to assist parents in CSSD cases who are unemployed or underemployed. This is not a program to help people who simply want another job. ASC provides parents, particularly those who have been ordered to pay support, with guidance and assistance to find employment opportunities so they can become better parents and pay their court-ordered child support in a timely and consistent manner.

Frequently Asked Questions -- Alternative Solutions Center

Who is eligible to participate in ASC?

To participate in ASC, a parent must meet the following requirements:

  • Be unemployed or underemployed.
  • Have an active child support case.
  • Must not receive unemployment benefits at the time of the referral.
  • Must not receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) at the time of referral.

How does a parent become involved with ASC?

A parent can request enrollment in ASC. Also, a parent can be referred to ASC by any of the following:

  • A CSSD case management specialist, investigator, attorney, or paralegal
  • The DC Superior Court (including the Fathering Court Program)
  • A community partner

What does a parent do in the ASC program?

After an orientation session that outlines the program, ASC program participants take part in training offerings regarding job readiness skills, employment opportunities, and responsible parenting. Support is offered in group workshops, in one-on-one meetings, and in drop-in sessions. ASC staff also provide additional support to the parent, as needed. This additional help may include accompanying the parent to court and/or offering individual assistance to connect the parent with community resources, employment, and emotional support.

How does ASC participation affect a parent's child support case?

Participation in ASC may postpone or stop child support enforcement actions, such as driver’s license/vehicle suspension and/or civil contempt proceedings. The pausing of an administrative or judicial enforcement action will be determined at the time the parent is accepted into ASC. The workforce development specialist assigned to the ASC participant will confer with the CSSD Enforcement Unit and/or Litigation Unit to determine how the enforcement action will be handled.

Additionally, each ASC participant creates an independent employment plan (IEP) during the program.  When the participant meets the threshold goals identified in the IEP, a portion of that parent's TANF arrears may be forgiven. The parent also may qualify for CSSD’s Fresh Start Program to have the remaining TANF arrears forgiven.