Raising Child Support Awareness

School Packet Web Article

The Iowa Attorney General's Office makes available for Iowa schools a packet of teaching materials to help students learn about the responsibilities of parenthood, especially the financial obligations, parents have in supporting their children. Students may see child support as something that has little or no impact on their lives. The goal of the curriculum is to help students to understand that paying child support is a basic responsibility that goes along with being a parent.

"Parenting: It's a Life", is child support curriculum designed for students in grades 7-12. The intention of the curriculum is to introduce students to the concept of child support, teach them how the support system works, and help them recognize the legal consequences of not paying child support. It is important for students to learn that failure to pay child support denies many children their basic needs.

The curriculum includes a variety of hands on and interactive classroom activities as well as a video tape featuring real-life stories from other students. The teaching materials are a valuable addition to Life Skills, American Government, Business Law, Health, English, and Psychology classes.

Teachers who wish to obtain "Parenting: It's a Life"packet, may contact the Attorney General's Office at:

Bill Roach
Iowa Attorney General's Office
Hoover State Office Building
1305 East Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-5536
broach@ag.state.ia.us