Barriers to employment for noncustodial parents. Given the substantial body of prior research pointing to employment and low earnings as persistent problems for ability to pay, understanding the barriers that can stand in the way of NCPs securing employment can be helpful for formulating policies intended to address these barriers. Previous research has emphasized that for many NCPs who experience barriers to work, barriers often co-occur (Xxxxxx et al., 2021; Xxxxx et al., 2018; Xxxxx, 2020b). Some barriers are within the CSA’s control; for example, some enforcement actions can create or exacerbate barriers to work, such as driver’s license suspension (Xxxxx et al., 2020). Others, however, are beyond the immediate purview of child support, suggesting that a collaborative approach involving partners who provide services related to NCP needs is necessary for addressing them. A number of barriers to work directly relate to the type of jobs available to NCPs; for example, low levels of education and lack of work experience are significant barriers to work for many NCPs (Xxxxxx et al., 2021; Xxxxxxx et al. 2018; Xxxxxx et al., 2013; Xxxxxxxxx et al., 1998; Xxxxx et al., 2018; Xxxxx 2020a, 2020b), as is having a criminal record (Xxxxxx et al., 2021; Cancian et al., 2021; Cancian et al., 2019; Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx, 2013; Xxxxx et al., 2018; Xxxxx, 2020b). Low-earning men and Black men are disproportionately likely to experience criminal justice system involvement, which exacerbates future inequities in earnings and economic well- being (Xxxxx et al., 2009; Xxxx, 2016; Xxxxxxxxx et al., 2015), and incarceration is correlated with lower payment after release, with low earnings being just one of many long-run setbacks tied to incarceration (Xxxxx, 2012; Xxxxxx et al., 2011; Xxxxxx & Western, 2004). In addition to these factors directly related to job availability, many NCPs experience other barriers that can affect their ability to obtain and keep work. Xxxxxx et al. (2021) identify transportation barriers, having a criminal record, family caregiving responsibilities, and physical health difficulties as barriers resulting in substantially lower rates of employment and lower earnings among NCPs. They found criminal records and transportation issues to be particularly prevalent barriers, with over half of NCPs in the study sample reporting experiencing them. Some barriers to employment can be especially difficult to address because they have stigma attached to them, such as substance use and mental health issues (Xxxx...
