50 Years of Child Support

Over the last 50 years, the national child support enforcement program has transformed how families access and receive support. Starting in 1975, federal law required states to create programs that track and enforce payments, with milestones like interstate wage withholding, automation, and tribal program funding expanding access and efficiency. Modern updates focus on fairness, flexibility, and disaster readiness, ensuring children and families are better supported even in emergencies. This timeline shows a steady evolution toward stronger outcomes for children, families, and communities.