2A:17-56.7b Findings, declarations relative to child support reform.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Title III of the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193, provides New Jersey with the authority and guidance to structure and administer an effective and efficient child support program that is accessible to all the citizens of this State needing its services;

b. Work and the timely payment of child support promote the best interests of all families with children;

c. The expeditious establishment of paternity and child support obligations is integral to the development of a safety net for participants in the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) and their children. With the implementation of the Work First New Jersey program and its time-limited benefits, the establishment of child support orders and the collection of child support are essential to the ability of families to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency;

d. The early establishment of paternity and child support orders creates a basis for individual security and family stability, and fosters an understanding of personal responsibility in children and teenagers;

e. The efficient establishment of paternity and support obligations, and the effective enforcement and collection of child support obligations pursuant to the provisions of Pub.L.104-193, will maximize the federal funding available to New Jersey for these services; and

f. The provisions of this act incorporate and expand the fundamental concepts of P.L.1981, c.417 (C.2A:17-56.8 et seq.) and comply with the federal initiatives embodied in Pub.L.104-193.

L.1998,c.1,s.2.