dcl9780.htm

DCL-97-80

November 14, 1997

TO ALL IV-D DIRECTORS

RE: Proposed New Reporting Instrument

Dear Colleague:

We are pleased to send you our proposed new statistical reporting form, the OCSE-157 and its instructions. This form takes into consideration several factors: 1) the national strategic plan’s outcome measures, 2) the new incentive formula that is currently being considered in Congress, and 3) changes made to reporting requirements through welfare reform legislation.

The OCSE-157 will eventually replace the OCSE-156 and the OCSE-158. We plan for the OCSE-157 to become effective beginning October 1, 1998. States will submit their first report October 30, 1999, which will reflect annual data for fiscal year 1999. Until that time, the OCSE-156 and 158 will be in effect. We will send final instructions once OMB (Office of Management and Budget) approval is received.

The new form:

149 Adds several new reporting elements and eliminates others;
149 Replaces the former AFDC, Non-AFDC, and Arrears categories with Total, Current Assistance, Former Assistance, and Never Assistance categories;
149 Reduces statistical reporting to one form; and
149 Reduces submittal time from quarterly to annual.

The OCSE-157 is the result of a State and Federal partnership that began several years ago with the METS (Measuring Excellence Through Statistics) Initiative and is now coming to culmination. We hope that you have seen much of this information through the Definitions Workgroup representative from your Region and have had an opportunity to comment. If not, now is the time. A request for comments appeared in the Federal Register on October 23, 1997 (enclosed). Interested persons have 60 days from that date to make formal comments through our Reports Clearance Officer. However, for expediency, we encourage you to send copies of your comments directly to us, as well.

Joyce Pitts is the contact person. Her telephone number is (202) 401-5374. If you have questions please give her a call. You may submit written comments by fax at (202) 401-3444, or you may write to her at the above address.

Sincerely,

David Gray Ross
Deputy Director
Office of Child Support Enforcement

Note: The new statistical reporting form and other enclosures mentioned above are not included in this Internet version of this document.

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