Story Behind the Numbers: Collecting Interstate Child Support

INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

IM-05-07

ATTACHMENT: Challenges and Success in Collecting Interstate Child Support

DATE: July 13, 2005

TO: ALL AGENCIES ADMINISTERING CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT PLANS APPROVED UNDER TITLE IV-D OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES

SUBJECT: The Story Behind the Numbers: Challenges and Success in Collecting Interstate Child Support

BACKGROUND: I urge all managers at all levels of the child support enforcement program to take a closer look at the data being generated around the program to learn more about what these numbers reveal. These analyses can reveal the program’s inner workings, causes and effects, what works and what does not, and can help all of us improve the outcomes of the program.

We in OCSE have also been conducting analyses of data on various important issues. This is the second in a series of briefs summarizing our findings on these issues as we strive together to continue to improve program performance.

This brief discusses how states are using the National Directory of New Hires to increase child support collections, and some of the challenges they face such as noncustodial parents frequently changing jobs and increased use of temporary employment agencies.

We thank everyone involved in the IV-D program for continuing to focus on accurate data collection and reporting. We continue to appreciate your willingness to work together on behalf of America’s children.

INQUIRIES: Questions about this brief should be directed to Dennis Putze at (202) 401-4030 or dputze@acf.hhs.gov

David H. Siegel
Acting Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement

Enclosure

cc: State IV-D Directors
Regional Program Manager
ACF Regional Administrators