The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) partnered with the Texas Workforce Commission and Title IV-D court (involving a state child support enforcement agency) to administer the program with the goal of helping noncustodial parents become more responsible parents and preventing them from falling behind on child support payments. The program began with a workforce orientation, job readiness services, and job search activities. Noncustodial parents pursuing employment were also eligible for supportive services, including transportation assistance. After finding a job, participants were monitored for six months. Individuals that did not find a job had to complete community service. In addition, the OAG and the IV-D court received a 30-day compliance report. As of 2020, NCP Choices continues to offer similar services.
NCP Choices was a mandatory program. Participants entered the program as a result of a court order. Noncustodial parents who were noncompliant with their child support orders were given the choice of participating in the program instead of going to jail or paying their child support arrears in full.
Workforce Development Boards in Texas operated the program. NCP Choices is the original program that was later expanded in two pilots. The first pilot, NCP Choices Establishment Pilot, tested a voluntary program that intervened before parents were behind on child support. The other pilot, NCP Parent Choices PEER Curriculum Enhancement, examined the addition of parenting, relationship skills, and financial education curriculum.
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