In our experience in New Jersey, success depends on an investment of time, money and resources in building partnerships and implementing new technology. In our experience, this increased investment pays off. The New Jersey POP differs from voluntary paternity programs in other states. POP approaches paternity establishment more broadly as a social issue, not just a welfare issue. When planning outreach to parents, healthcare workers and the community, POP emphasizes the benefits for children when paternity is established, rather than the financial aspects of the relationship.
POP also allows multiple opportunities to sign a certificate acknowledging paternity.
Paternity can be acknowledged at hospital, local registrars and county child support agencies. POP began November 13, 1995. In CY 1996 there were 109,884 births in New Jersey. Although 1997 has not yet been closed out, preliminary figures show that the second full year may be even better. The third quarter of 1997 closed at 73.8 per cent, up almost three percentage points from the previous year.