NETWorks
What Is NETWorks?
The NETWorks Program serves non-custodial parties using a broad scope of resources to overcome barriers to employment and increase the likelihood that parents owing child support will be able to provide for themselves and their families.
The NETWorks Program exists as a supplemental service for the State’s Tri Pep Program. The Tri Pep Program provides assessment and employment services for Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester non-custodial parties with either a direct connection to IVA services or a court ordered referral for employment services.
The NETWorks program seeks to mitigate barriers for Tri Pep customers by establishing protocols and funding sources aimed at removing barriers to employment, assisting with training and education services, mitigating transportation issues, and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism.
Why Should I Enroll?
NETWorks will offer one-time financial support to help participants pay for identification, work boots, glasses, uniforms, interview attire, and transportation costs in connection with traveling to and from job interviews. In addition, case managers will work with participants to remove barriers to employment by potentially expunging criminal records or in other ways mitigating the negative impact of previous conduct.
Am I Eligible?
Non-custodial parties owing child support who agree to the stipulations put forth by program administrators are eligible to participate. The following Department of Human Services offices are participating in the program: Somerset County Office of Child Support, Wicomico County Office of Child Support, and the Worcester County Office of Child Support.
What Kind of Job Can I Train For?
Participants may be trained by partners for an array of administrative or service industry positions consistent with their educational background.
Training initiatives include GED and Driver Improvement courses to mitigate barriers, regional flagger certifications and work experience offerings for immediate employment, and CDL courses to advance employment. Non-custodial parties living in the above-mentioned counties may apply and their applications will be reviewed on the merits and financial aid dependencies.
Contact
For more information about the program, please call Diana Columna: 410-713-3147, diana.columna@maryland.gov or Torrez Wise 410-219-5712 or torrez.wise@maryland.gov Otherwise, please call DHS’s helpline at (800) 332-6347.
Partners
Tri Pep serves as a crucial partner in the NETWorks Program, but the program also collaborates with local DLLR offices, the American Job Center and the Maryland Department of of Health & Human Services. Wor-Wic Community College and local Goodwill offices as well as Hope. Inc. are community partners.
DHS Central wishes to thank the Somerset County Office of Child Support, the Wicomico County Office of Child Support, the Worcester County Office of Child Support and all collaborative partners
who support this initiative.