Kansas City, Mo. ? Participation in a program that provides job training to parents who owe child support has decreased since it became the responsibility of the Department of Economic Development, according to an audit released Wednesday.

An analysis conducted by State Auditor Claire McCaskill’s office found enrollment in the Parents’ Fair Share Program dropped to 571 participants in July 2004 from 1,063 participants in February 2003.

Meanwhile, the audit found transportation-related expenses and work-related expenses nearly tripled from $59,000 in fiscal year 2003 to $169,000 in fiscal year 2004.

The program, which was previously operated by the Department of Social Services, helps noncustodial parents who are unemployed or underemployed obtain jobs and become involved in their children’s lives. Participants receive help with resume writing, interview skills, job searches and training, as well as transportation costs.

While parents are participating, child support payments may be lowered, and the state does not take any enforcement actions for unpaid child support.

The audit found caseworkers for the Department of Social Services stopped referring parents to the program, which receives federal funding, in April 2003 during the transfer. Referrals resumed in July 2003, but have not rebounded to pre-transfer levels.

The audit said one possible reason was child support caseworkers are no longer required to suggest the program before referring cases for prosecution.

Additionally, the audit found the computer software used in the program is incapable of tracking the success of participants. To be deemed successful, participants must hold a job and make a full child-support payment plus an amount toward a past-due balance for three straight months. The computer problems are expected to be remedied by spring 2005.