dcl9316.htm

Integrating JOBS with CSE, Foster Care, Child Care, etc.

DC-9316 April 9, 1993

TO ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

Dear Colleague:

Attached is a copy of an Information Memorandum (JOBS-ACF-IM-93-03), that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) sent to all State JOBS Directors in January. The document encourages program coordination among ACF programs which help families become self-sufficient.

OCSE would like to reinforce the message of program coordination by urging all State IV-D Directors to be aware of how JOBS, AFDC, Child Support, Head Start, Foster Care and Child Care programs can be effectively integrated so that families who are recipients of their services can take advantage of the opportunities they provide for self-sufficiency.

The IM gives numerous examples of successful interaction between state and local IV-D programs and other ACF programs. Among successful coordination efforts described are: co-location of services, automated interface, outreach to Head Start parents, coordinated case management between JOBS and child support, joint staff training, and agency-wide performance measures. For most of the examples, names and addresses of contacts for further information are also given.

Program coordination is not an easy task. Most human services programs have been legislated, regulated and administered separately for years. We are accustomed to their working independently, even at cross purposes. Yet program coordination has become a pressing issue in the last several years as expanding caseloads have shown that no single program can address the multiplicity of welfare families' needs.

I urge you to share this information with your colleagues and with local child support enforcement agencies, and encourage you to also share information with us of your successful coordination efforts.

Sincerely,

Robert Harris

Acting Deputy Director Office of Child Support Enforcement