County Still in Crisis: Cleaning up CMC

Covid has hit our country and nation like a wrecking ball. Everything essentially shut down, including society’s heart and soul of social services/family support. During this time, mental health difficulties were on the rise and the crisis became the scape goat for many programs not assisting the residents. As the nation and county began to stabilize, and regulation became more imperative, one stops to ponder how are we really doing?? Many are still homeless, and those above this realm are barely surviving day to day. What happened to the programs and services established prior to Covid? The ones that were designed to assist children and families? Personally I am referring to child support enforcement. I understand this topic is controversial even prior to Covid, however; this program was approved to assist families with children and should be utilized for children. Many children were effected and continue to be effected by Covid even after 2 years and the stabilization- return to normal. Here in Cape May County, many families rely on social services as well as child support to enforce decisions. Where am I going with this?? My children relied on the program offered by family court for support enforcement which was suspended during Covid. Family court without difficulties of Covid can be described by those who have experienced the program as traumatizing. Today, this is the same if not amplified. Let me explain if I may. All enforcement and repercussions were suspended during Covid- the program still working to pull itself back after the crisis. Those with problems were asked to reach state elected officials for inquiries and assistance. For example, I have a 2 missed payment stipulation on my child’s case for enforcement with no bench warrants or arrests made during for prior to Covid. My official of Michael Testa (3-26–22) as well ad congressman Jeff Van Drew (9/27/22) were written for assistance. Neither responded to my inquiries. Police departments do not uphold family court orders as this is considered civil and they respond to criminal enforcements. This adds to the trauma of no help, leaving to more modifications and begging for upholding of orders already established and permitted to many families. Where do our residents go for help? Who will look into complaints and respond when our elected officials are too busy? When will Covid stop being the scape goat and blame for negligence of our established programs? And who will help our families?