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Successful Hope for Income towards the Next Generation through Employment

Who Can Participate?

SHINE is for noncustodial parents who are seeking stable employment and require support to comply with their child support order.

• Referral Source: You are typically ordered by a Magistrate during a contempt hearing for outstanding child support arrearages, or referred by the Child Support Administration.
• Eligibility: Participants must not have known physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from working.

How the Program Works: Your Path to Success

Phase 1: Referral and Intake

1. Court/CSA Referral: Once referred, the local DSS office will schedule an intake appointment.
2. Intake Appointment: You will meet with a Non-custodial Parent Employment Program (NPEP) Specialist at the Allegany County DSS office.
3. Assessment: The NPEP Specialist conducts a strengths and needs assessment. This step is crucial for identifying personalized resources needed to overcome your specific barriers (e.g., lack of documentation, housing issues, substance abuse, etc.).
4. Compliance Review: You and the specialist will review all program compliance policies and non-compliance guidelines.

Phase 2: Case Management (12 Months)

• Ongoing Monitoring: You will meet with the NPEP Specialist at set intervals throughout the year to monitor progress, address any new needs, and track compliance.
• Required Reporting: Participants are required to consistently update and report:
  • Weekly job search activities.
  • Current employment status and income.
  • Child support payment history.
  • All changes of address, phone number, or employment status must be reported immediately.

Services and Resources Offered

SHINE connects you to extensive resources through our network of Community Partners.

Employment & Education

• Job Readiness: Interest assessments, intensive readiness activities, job searches, placement, and job development.
• Skill Building: Resume development, interview skills, and job retention strategies.
• Training: Access to Occupational/Vocational training and GED classes.

Legal & Documentation

• Documentation: Assistance obtaining vital documents: Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, Photo IDs, and Driver’s Licenses.
• Legal Aid: Access to Expungement, mediation services, and other pro bono legal assistance.

Family & Wellness

• Parenting: Resources and training to enhance parenting skills, learn positive techniques, and engage in co-parenting.
• Health: Referrals to mental health, addiction, substance abuse, and recovery services.

Basic Needs Support

• Housing: Referrals for housing and shelter resources.
• Transportation: Resources to help you get to work, including obtaining a Driver’s License and budgeting for a vehicle.
• Financial: Assistance applying for state benefits and access to food pantries.
• Essentials: Access to work/interview clothing, basic hygiene products, and child care resources.

Benefits of SHINE Participation

Successfully participating in the SHINE program provides crucial legal and personal rewards:

• Avoid Legal Sanctions: Program involvement offers the opportunity to avoid severe enforcement actions for nonpayment of child support, including:
  • Avoiding Driver’s License Suspension.
  • Opportunity for Dismissal of Contempt charges.
• Financial Stability: Gaining stable employment enables you to meet your financial obligations and provide for your children.
• Stronger Family: Developing consistent involvement provides the emotional and financial security your children need for a brighter future.

SHINE Program Online Intake Assessment Form

or Download our SHINE Program Intake Assessment PDF

Contact and Location

If you have been referred to the SHINE program, please contact us to schedule your intake appointment.

Allegany County Department of Social Services – Child Support Administration

Phone: 301-784-7260
Fax: 301-784-7230

E-mail: sarecia.powers@maryland.gov
Address: 1 Frederick Street, Cumberland, MD 21502