Region IX and X

Interstate Task Force

Description/Goal

The Goal of the Bi-Regional ITF is to provide an interactive forum for Federal and State staff from both regions to identify, discuss and resolve critical interstate issues within the applicable Federal parameters.

Results

• The ITF has reached consensus on several interstate issues such as handling of contests in direct enforcement actions, handling requests for limited services and handling interest on arrears in the enforcement arena.
• At least two States (and more are expected) in the ITF have developed and are using a "Super Notice" to alert applicants/referrals and parties to an order regarding the broad range of enforcement actions that can be taken in both intrastate and interstate cases.
• The ITF has issued three formal reports (the fourth is in progress) which incorporate the issues raised and recommendations developed.
• The ITF has helped establish/foster a strong communication/coordination network between the Region IX and X States which has served to reduce barriers to resolving interstate case issues.
• The ITF has also provide Federal and State staff with an opportunity to be on the same page regarding the interpretation of Federal and State policy; this has resulted in a greater uniformity in interstate case processing and issue resolution.

Location

There is no formal location as the majority of the group's discussions are handled by monthly conference calls. Federal staff from Regions IX and X assists in developing the agendas, facilitating the calls and providing guidance regarding the applicable Federal requirements. The annual meetings rotate between Region IX and X locations at no cost to either the Federal or State governments.

Funding

The ITF does not require any special Federal funding. All yearly meetings have been funded via a registration fee paid by the attendees.

Replication Advice

• Recruit membership from program, policy and attorney staff to help ensure that a diverse body of experience will be available to deal with resolving a broad range of complex issues.
• Obtain buy-in from State IV-D Directors and Federal Regional Office leadership.
• Developing an interstate work group encourages all State partners to look beyond their own State perspective and fosters a level playing field where the benefit to all States is the primary concern.