dcl9211.htm

Giving Hope and Support to America's Children

METS

DC-9211

March 26, 1992

RE: "Measuring Excellence through Statistics"

Dear Colleague:

The office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) is undertaking a new reporting initiative, "Measuring Excellence through Statistics" (METS). The purpose of this initiative is to stress the importance of accurate data reporting and to enhance the value to States of providing this information.

We are currently making plans to:

* improve and change the OCSE Annual Report to Congress to convey a more corporate-type image and include information that States feel will benefit their programs;

* review statutes and laws to assure the data we request meets the letter of the law and eliminate data reports that are not mandated;

* clarify OCSE reporting forms, definitions, and instructions;

* issue regular reports of program status in the form of

semi-annual reports which focus on States' successes; and

* develop a system of continuing communication on reporting issues among the Central and Regional Offices and the States.

We need your commitment and help to accomplish the goals of METS. It will require States to be consistent in data reporting. We are aware that child support enforcement programs, laws, and procedures are different in each State; however, a method of uniform reporting by all States is essential to the success of the program. This means that compromises are inevitable.

We are asking that you begin thinking about ways to improve data reporting in your and other states. Please let us know your specific suggestions on how to improve reporting and the OCSE Annual Report to Congress. We have already received some positive, concrete alternatives to approaches taken in past Annual Reports from one State and are in need of additional constructive ideas.

In addition, we have received a suggestion that the Annual Report to Congress emphasize costs that are avoided through State child-support enforcement efforts. Our current formula of cost avoidance is based on the June 26, 1987 report, Estimates of Cost Avoidance Attributable to Child Support Enforcement, prepared by Advanced Sciences, Inc. This report indicates that there is one dollar ofindirect savings for every five dollars in the child support collections for non-AFDC families. To determine if this formula is still valid, we are looking for States to update the cost avoidance information by applying the methodology to their current caseload. If your State is willing to undertake this project please contact Gaile Maller on 202-401-5368 for further information.

Thank you in advance for your assistance in making the METS initiative a success. The continuing focus on child support enforcement program performance makes accurate reporting essential to the success of the program. With your help, I know we can make this project a success. If you have questions, please call Joyce Pitts on 202-401-5374.

Sincerely,

Allie Page Matthews

Deputy Director

Office of Child Support

Enforcement

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