Phoenix area children may be eligible for new forms of support

Phoenix, AZ – Many children can receive sufficient financial support from their parents whether child support payments are necessary or not. However, there are also situations where the government provides assistance and resources to struggling families. 

Million dollar grant is going to child crisis center

Child Crisis Arizona, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families and providing shelter for abused children and teens, has received a generous donation of $1 million from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation [1]. This substantial contribution will support the organization’s ongoing operations and contribute to the funding of its forthcoming Center for Child & Family Wellness, situated at 424 W. Rio Salado Pkwy in Mesa.

Anticipated to open its doors in the coming year, the Center for Child & Family Wellness will span 38,000 square feet and feature environmentally sustainable, net-zero infrastructure. This expansion project aims to bolster Child Crisis Arizona’s capacity to assist a greater number of individuals while offering essential health, wellness, and educational services to the local community.

Under the leadership of Torrie Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona, the organization has witnessed remarkable growth since 2015. Notably, its early education services have expanded by 200%, and its shelter bed capacity has increased by 177%. However, this growth necessitated staff displacement and the scattering of departments throughout the Valley to accommodate additional classrooms and shelter beds.

The Center for Child & Family Wellness will consolidate Child Crisis Arizona’s operations, serving as a hub for low-income children and families. Its comprehensive services include foster care and adoption assistance, family education, children’s counseling, health and wellness programs, a centralized kitchen and food distribution center, administrative functions, and philanthropic activities. Additionally, it will facilitate partnerships with organizations such as Ballet Arizona, United Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona.

Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, emphasized Child Crisis Arizona’s vital role as a resource provider for vulnerable children and families. The new state-of-the-art campus is expected to further enhance their support system for those in need.

The Center for Child & Family Wellness will feature a Counseling Support Center, complete with sensory and play therapy rooms, as well as a foster/adoption wing for training and supporting foster and adoptive families. Other amenities include a donation center, volunteer center, car seat safety station, children’s playroom, community partner hub, technology center, job skills center, and innovation space.

Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, commended Child Crisis Arizona’s relentless efforts to care for economically disadvantaged families, homeless individuals, and those within the foster care system. The new campus is poised to expand their positive impact on the community.

This two-story campus is scheduled for completion in the coming year, and Child Crisis Arizona intends to honor The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation by dedicating the lobby in their name upon its opening in 2024. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, established in 2012, aims to provide hope and life-changing assistance to vulnerable populations across the United States.

For over 45 years, Child Crisis Arizona has been committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. Their motto, “Safe Kids. Strong Families,” has positively impacted nearly 100,000 children and families since 1977, making them a crucial resource in the Valley’s efforts to support vulnerable populations.

How much will a child receive through support payments under Arizona law?

Child support payments in Arizona are determined through a formula that takes into account various factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and specific expenses related to the child’s well-being. These calculations are intended to ensure that the financial burden of raising a child is shared fairly between both parents, and that the child’s needs are adequately met.

The specific guidelines for calculating child support in Arizona are outlined in the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, which are set forth in state law (Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 25-320). Here are the key factors that are considered when determining child support payments in Arizona:

• Income of Both Parents: The primary factor in calculating child support payments is the income of both parents. This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, rental income, and other forms of income. If either parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on their earning potential.
• Number of Children: The number of children involved in the support order directly affects the amount of child support. Generally, as the number of children increases, the child support obligation also increases.
• Custody Arrangement: Child custody arrangements, such as sole custody, joint custody, or visitation schedules, can impact child support calculations. The parent with primary physical custody (custodial parent) typically receives child support from the noncustodial parent.
• Healthcare and Childcare Costs: Additional expenses related to the child’s healthcare and childcare, such as insurance premiums and daycare costs, are factored into the child support calculation.
• Extraordinary Expenses: Sometimes, children have special needs or extraordinary expenses, such as educational costs, extracurricular activities, or medical expenses not covered by insurance. In such cases, the court may deviate from the standard child support guidelines to address these unique circumstances.
• Parenting Time: The amount of time each parent spends with the child can also affect child support. If a noncustodial parent has substantial parenting time, it may result in a lower child support obligation.

It’s important to note that the Arizona Child Support Guidelines provide a formula for calculating child support based on these factors. However, child support payments can vary widely from case to case. For a more accurate estimate of child support obligations in a specific situation, individuals can use the online Child Support Calculator provided by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

Parents who are seeking child support or facing child support obligations should also consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in family law. Legal professionals can provide guidance on navigating the child support process, ensuring that the child’s best interests are upheld, and addressing any unique circumstances that may affect child support calculations.

In summary, child support payments in Arizona are determined by a formula that takes into account various factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children, custody arrangements, healthcare and childcare costs, and extraordinary expenses. The goal is to provide financial support that meets the child’s needs and ensures that both parents contribute proportionally to their upbringing. For a precise calculation, individuals can use the Arizona Child Support Calculator or consult with a family law attorney.

Child support attorneys are available in Phoenix

Schneider and Onofry is a trusted family law practice that helps clients in the Phoenix area with divorces and related issues. 

USAttorneys.com can help people who need to find the right lawyers. Anyone who needs to get connected can call 800-672-3103 to get started. 

Firm contact info:

Schneider & Onofry, P.C.

207 W. 2nd St., Yuma AZ 85364

928-257-4887

soarizonalaw.com

Sources:

1. https://www.themesatribune.com/news/child-crisis-arizona-gets-1m-foundation-gift/article_b39b4222-4e9a-11ee-bbf4-a7aad2d23204.html