Featured Dad Program

Each quarter we interview a program that is doing great work to support fathers and families and we share what makes them special. 

This month's feature:

WIC: The Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program — Not Just for Moms and Babies!

WIC is a place where families like yours get healthy food and a lot more. WIC is for pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, and families with children under 5. In 2019, WIC made a difference for over 235,000 Washington families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nutrition security became a critical need. Almost half of all babies in our state receive WIC; eligibility depends on household size and income.

WIC welcomes men! WIC recognizes the vital role fathers, grandparents, step-parents, and other guardians play in caring for kids. Fathers and other caregivers of kids under 5 are encouraged to participate; no longer are dads told to wait in the car! Enroll and bring kids to appointments, attend nutrition and health education sessions, and use WIC cards at grocery stores. Single dads (non-cohabitating fathers who are primary parents) can access services too.

Dads, grandparents, and other caregivers of children under the age of five may also sign kids up for WIC. There are more than 200 WIC clinics across Washington State. To find a WIC clinic near you:

• Call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline 1-800-322-2588
• Text "WIC" to 96859
• Visit ParentHelp123's ResourceFinder

The WIC program provides a variety of services for parents and babies:

• Measuring growth, height, weight, and blood iron levels to be sure baby is growing in a healthy way
• Identification of health risks
• Immunization screenings for your baby
• Case management and referral
• Nutrition Education
• Referrals to other services like:
  • Medical care and health insurance
  • Basic food program
  • Local food banks
  • Dental care
  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  • Family planning clinics

Did You Know? 

Children living in poverty are more likely to experience behavioral problems in adolescence; but an involved father can reduce the risk for these outcomes and help reverse the negative impact.

Lee, J., & Schoppe-Sullivan, S.J. (2017). Resident fathers’ positive engagement, family poverty, and change in child behavior problems. Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies, 66, 484-496.

Dear Andy 

Each quarter we will ask Andy (a team of Council experts; you didn't really think Abby was just one person?) questions from Dads and share the answers here.

Send in your questions for Andy here.

This Quarter's Topic: The Child Support System

I have a child support order and owe a back debt. How can I get my debt lowered?

It is possible to get your debt lowered, but it will take some work. If the debt is owed to the state, then you may be able to have it written off. Otherwise you will likely have to go to court to get the debt reduced or have the other party agree to write off the debt. Please call the Washington State Division of Child Support at 1-800-457-6202 to discuss your situation. If you have a case, you can be connected to your Support Enforcement Officer to discuss your options. If you do not have a case, you will be connected with the Community Relations Unit who will be happy to discuss your situation. 

What happens if I lose my job and my court order is established in Washington State?

In most situations, you will continue to owe child support until your order is modified.  Please call the Washington State Division of Child Support at 1-800-457-6202 and, if you have a case, you can be connected to your Support Enforcement Officer to discuss your options. If you do not have a case, you will be connected with the Community Relations Unit to discuss your situation. 

If we have a 50/50 parenting plan, will I still pay child support?

It depends on the details of your case and the language written in your court order. If there is an income discrepancy between the parents, the one earning more may be ordered by the courts to pay the other at a reduced rate. Please call the Washington State Division of Child Support at 1-800-457-6202  and, if you have a case, you can be connected to your Support Enforcement Officer to discuss your situation. If you do not have a case, you will be connected with the Community Relations Unit to discuss your situation.