September 2024 Child Support Report
September 2024 Child Support Report September 27, 2024 | Volume 45 | No. 8 | Monthly
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- NextGen Grant Invests in Employment Programs
- Celebrating Child Support Awareness Month
- Tribal Liaisons Contribute to Success
- Passport Denial Program Keeps Securing Money for Families
- Start a Conversation about Emergency Preparedness
- Honoring and Supporting Grandparents
- Resource Alert: Child Support and Employers Infographic
- Policy Recap
COMMISSIONER'S VOICE: NextGen Grant Invests in Employment Programs
Commissioner Tanguler Gray
Children do best when both parents contribute financially and emotionally to their development. As child support professionals, we see the positive impact this support can have on families. To help child support programs with this work, OCSS awarded $4.7 million to help six states and two tribes develop and refine child support-led employment efforts for noncustodial parents under the Next Generation Child Support Employment (NextGen) grant. NextGen builds on the lessons learned from a previous OCSS demonstration called CSPED. These child support-led employment services increase the reliable payment of child support and improve the financial well-being of children.
OCSS also awarded $3.4 million to Michigan to provide technical assistance and evaluate the NextGen demonstration projects. The project period for all grants is five years.
Recipients of the demonstration grants and the technical assistance and evaluation grant are:
- Los Angeles County (California Department of Child Support Services)
- Sacramento and Stanislaus Counties (California Department of Child Support Services)
- Cherokee Nation
- Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
- Minnesota Department of Human Services
- Virginia Department of Social Services
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (Technical Assistance and Evaluation Grant)
This demonstration will strengthen our program’s efforts to help parents become employed and provide financial and medical support for their children. To learn more about this and other demonstrations, visit the OCSS Grants webpage.
Celebrating Child Support Awareness Month
ARIZONA
Governor Hobbs signed a statewide proclamation (PDF), and 18 mayors and county boards of supervisors issued individual proclamations at local town councils and county board meetings. Arizona hosted its annual summer art contest celebrating the children of the families they serve. They had 374 contestants, an increase of 150% from 2023! The art theme this year was ’summertime activity,’ and nine winners received new donated Amazon Fire Tablets. Their submissions are on Facebook and Instagram . Staff also proudly displayed their Child Support Awareness Month virtual backgrounds as they participated in a fun child support trivia game.
CALIFORNIA
California hosted several creative events that engaged the public statewide. Ten of the 47 county and regional offices organized backpack drives, directly helping children in their communities prepare for the school year. Los Angeles, Merced, Plumas, San Diego, San Joaquin, Shasta, Solano, Stanislaus, Tehama, and Tulare child support offices distributed an impressive 5,923 backpacks throughout the month, and over 6,100 families attended these giveaway events!
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians child support staff attended the National Tribal Child Support Conference in Cherokee, North Carolina, this summer. The conference had 380 attendees from different tribal nations, states, and federal partners. The staff presented workshops, acted as monitors for workshops, helped with registration, and were available to guide attendees around the conference. The workshops provided additional resources and training for staff to assist with paternity establishment and financial support for our tribal children.
GEORGIA
Georgia celebrated the vital role of the child support program in ensuring children’s safety and well-being. Staff across the state wore green to promote and honor the efforts of child support professionals nationwide. The state also declared August 2024 as Child Support Awareness Month, and staff and leadership attended a proclamation ceremony at the State Capitol.
GUAM
Guam celebrated with the theme “Love your Kids.” The governor issued a proclamation and the legislature passed a resolution. Staff hosted various outreach events, including at Guam Premium Outlet Outreach, Agana Shopping Center, and Micronesian Mall. Entertainment was provided by magician Steve Weiss, dance group Talent Box, and Carlson Gracie who showcased Jujitsu.
ILLINOIS
Illinois regional offices engaged in fundraising and donation drives to support local and statewide charities. The Springfield office raised $1,578 and a portion was used to buy wish list items and a percentage goes to MERCY Communities Inc., aiding their mission to combat family homelessness by providing housing and support to women with children. The Rockford office collected items and got a $150 Walmart gift card for Rock House Kids, which supports inner-city children. Peoria and Rock Island offices organized drives for non-perishable foods, school supplies, and other necessities, benefiting local charities and advocacy centers. The Marion office contributed 57 duffle bags to CARITAS Family Solutions for foster children, while the Joliet office collected school supplies for the Joliet Boys and Girls Club. The Champaign office supported the Homer Food Pantry and participated in a resource day, and Cook Southern office raised $250 to buy school supplies for Chicago Public Schools. The Aurora office gathered household items for The Lake County Haven, and Cook Central office raised over $1,300 for suitcases for foster kids. The Belleville Regional office led a successful "Luggage of Love" campaign, raising $4,500 to purchase luggage for children in foster care.
INDIANA
Indiana marked August with weekly events that encouraged staff to work hard, laugh, and celebrate. Staff wore green often and added decorations to their workstations. The second week, staff showed off their child support knowledge during a trivia game that ended in a tie for first place bragging rights. Week three was Spirit Week where staff wore their favorite sports team attire. The final week showcased a Corn Hole Tournament and an Ice Cream Social. They’re looking forward to making their celebration even bigger next year!
KANSAS
Kansas partnered with Mound Valley Grade School in Labette County to help prepare families for the school year. Staff donated school supplies for every student in the school, as well as bulk classroom items for teachers. Staff sorted, separated, and hand delivered the supplies for the teachers to easily pick up before students arrived.
KENTUCKY
Kentucky shared child support information at the Kentucky State Fair with the theme KY CAN DO (Kentuckians are resilient and encourage a “can do” attitude). Staff distributed pamphlets with facts about child support, information about the Paternity Acknowledgment Program, information for parents ordered to pay child support, and more. They also answered general and case-specific questions for attendees seeking services. The coloring books and pencils were a big hit with children at the fair!
KICKAPOO TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma held a Walk and Learn event to share facts about the tribal child support program. Staff placed signs that displayed child support facts about child support and its impact on children’s lives along the walking trail. Participants noted the facts on a form as they walked the trail. At the end, participants received a giveaway bag that included a t-shirt, sunglasses, cooling rag, and a child safety tag. Attendees had great things to say about the event: “I learned something I never knew about child support.” “That was really interesting!”
MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE
The Mescalero Apache Tribe’s child support staff celebrated as part of the Labor Day parade on August 31. The theme was “Honoring and Celebrating our Local Heroes and Workforce Community.” Staff distributed child support information, and they participated in the vehicle and bike decorating contest and won! See their first place trophy above! They enjoyed the event immensely and appreciated the opportunity to engage with the community.
MINNESOTA
Minnesota’s Child Support Division hosted its annual Child Support Awareness Month webinar for county, tribal, and state child support staff. Nearly 400 attendees heard from Assistant Commissioner Dr. Shaneen Moore and Interim Division Director Michele Schreifels who thanked staff for their commitment and dedication. They talked about how child support fits in with the department’s whole family approach. Division staff shared updates on performance data, new legislation, and initiatives like the Advancing Equity grant, Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security grant, and Paths to Parenthood grant.
NEW YORK
New York celebrated by hosting staff appreciation events at their main office, at the State Disbursement Unit, and virtually so everyone could participate. Staff hosted a table in the lobby aimed at promoting awareness and educating agency colleagues about the child support program. There was also a themed staff appreciation luncheon with division-wide games to engage staff in activities.
OHIO
Governor Mike DeWine kicked off August with a proclamation and a video . Ohio also created a toolkit to help promote activities and events. They created marketing materials for counties to promote program services, including posters, window clings with a QR code to access Ohio’s child support self-service mobile app, and a children’s sticker calendar funded by Ohio’s Access and Visitation grant. The sticker calendar highlights drawings by children and helps families manage their busy schedules for visitations, holidays, and events. Ohio also hosted its annual children’s coloring contest. Parents entered their child’s drawing for an opportunity to be featured in next year’s sticker calendar. Winners selected for this year’s sticker calendar will receive a certificate recognizing their artwork.
PENOBSCOT NATION
The Penobscot Nation staffed a table at the community health fair, a three-day event open to community members and tribal members from other Maine tribes. They partnered with a variety of tribal service providers, including the health clinic, child welfare, elderly services, behavioral health services, and Wabanaki Public Health to offer program materials and other free items to the community. The health fair had over 300 attendees this year!
PENNSYLVANIA
The Domestic Relations of Crawford County and Community Council of Meadville hosted its inaugural Family Resource Day to strengthen community ties and provide essential information for families. The event attracted well over 50 families eager to learn about resources tailored to supporting their well-being. The Downtown Mall was filled with enthusiasm as families explored booths set up by local organizations, nonprofits, and service providers. Attendees could find resources on local staffing agencies, manufacturing opportunities, healthcare, dental care, nutrition, mental health, education, and child care with knowledgeable staff members ready to assist. The event created a space for collective learning and highlighted the essence of the Meadville community — one where families can rely on services for support and shared aspirations for a promising future.
PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico held the “ASUME a tu Lado” fair at Luis Muñoz Marín Park. The event exceeded expectations, providing a space for custodial and noncustodial families to receive support and guidance. Families participated in educational and recreational activities designed to strengthen family bonds. This second annual fair, following last year’s event in Cataño, reinforced the Child Support Administration’s commitment to the well-being of children in alignment with federal child support guidelines. Participants enjoyed "La Hora del Juego," organized by the Atención Atención Foundation, offering fun and educational entertainment for children. Magician Barry’s performance was also a highlight, bringing laughter and joy to families.
VERMONT
Gov. Scott issued a proclamation (PDF) highlighting the importance of child support in ensuring that children receive the financial resources necessary for their well-being. Staff also celebrated by hosting a successful Backpack and School Supplies Drive where they collected over 50 backpacks, hundreds of school supplies, and lots of cozy knit hats. They distributed the items to domestic violence agencies and shelters to help ensure children affected by domestic violence or poverty, or who are unhoused, receive the support they need to start the school year. This drive reflects the vital role child support plays in providing not only financial resources but also stability, hope, and a sense of normalcy for children who need it most.
WISCONSIN
Governor Evers issued a proclamation for Child Support Awareness Month (PDF), kicking off a month of awareness by recognizing county, state, and tribal child support agencies along with parents and caregivers. Wisconsin promoted the month through their Child Support Awareness Month page and social media channels. In partnership with the Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association, they also hosted a Month of Giving (PDF) event and asked child support professionals and partners to donate to the nonprofit of their choice. Whether they gave their time, talents, or money, all gifts made a difference. Finally, staff hosted a virtual sharing session, inviting county child support agencies, tribal programs, and partners to share their August activities, celebrations, and events. It was interesting to hear how agencies celebrated with creative initiatives and stories.
Tribal Liaisons Contribute to Success
Tami Masuca, Program Specialist, OCSS-RO5; Heather Allen, Tribal Liaison, MN-CSD; and Raegan Hendrickson, CS Manager, White Earth Nation
Communication is key to so much of what child support professionals do, and knowing who to reach out to can be half the battle. We’ve discovered that it’s beneficial and important to establish a tribal liaison in the state child support program. The liaison can initiate communication with new tribal programs, coordinate meetings and trainings, and build a trusting, respectful, and collaborative relationship between the agencies. These efforts improve the quality of services for tribal children and families.
The Minnesota Child Support Division has built successful, productive relationships with the four tribal IV-D programs in the state. A crucial component to this success has been the tribal liaison at the state agency. The liaison has worked to establish relationships with the Leech Lake Band, Mille Lacs Band, Red Lake Nation, and White Earth Nation child support programs since their start-up phase. The relationship continues to build through their comprehensive status today. The liaison is their point of contact at the state agency, which has been helpful for communication, collaboration, and cooperation between the agencies.
The tribal liaison has these key responsibilities:
- Develop a living workplan and MOU that guide the work between the state and tribal programs
- Keep state policy and procedures up to date when working tribal child support cases
- Keep tribes informed of changes at the state level
- Help tribes with case transfers, both from the county child support agencies and the district courts
- Provide child support and cross-cultural training to county, tribal, and partner agencies through a state and tribal lens
- Act as the primary caseworker on shared interest child support cases
- Identify challenges and solutions between the counties and tribal programs on specific cases
- Facilitate the Minnesota-Tribal IV-D Workgroup that convened in 2013
Positive outcomes
States and tribes want the same result — quality and effective child support services to the children and families they serve. There will always be challenges when working on new relationships, but behind every challenge is a path to success. The relationship between the state agency and the four tribal programs was weak and ineffective in the beginning. However, through open communication and candid discussions, they developed a team of proactive, solution-focused staff from each tribal program and state child support divisions to identify the challenges and solutions.
Here are a few successes from implementing this tribal liaison role:
- Gave tribes read-only access to the state’s child support system with some restrictions regarding federal tax information
- Gave tribes access to the state’s vital statistics department for birth and death information
- Worked with Minnesota’s Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to change their policy. The new policy allows DEED to accept income withholding orders from any tribal IV-D agency for the interception of unemployment compensation.
- Shared an intranet with the tribal IV-D programs to improve child support communications
- Revised the Minnesota Child Support Statutes to allow a district court to relinquish post-award child support orders to the relevant tribal court
Minnesota and the tribal IV-D programs have done an enormous amount of work to successfully build an outstanding relationship between their programs. They attribute much of the success to having a culturally competent liaison leading the way.
If you’re interested in learning how to build a successful relationship between your state and tribal programs, email Heather Allen, Minnesota tribal liaison, at heather.allen@state.mn.us or Raegan Hendrickson, Child Support Manager for White Earth Nation, at raegan.hendrickson@whiteearth-nsn.gov.
Passport Denial Program Keeps Securing Money for Families
Angie Tutwiler, OCSS
The Passport Denial Program helps states enforce past-due child support obligations. States submit the names of parents with over $2,500 in past-due support to the OCSS Federal Collection and Enforcement program. OCSS submits these names to the State Department, which will deny their U.S. passport upon application or when they use a passport service, like to add pages. To release the passport, the parent must work with the state (or states) that certified them for denial. The state — not OCSS — decides an acceptable payment arrangement with the parent to release the passport.
Since the Passport Denial Program began in 1998, states have reported over $609 million in attributed collections. In 2024, states reported collecting over $18.3 million through July and shared nearly 3,200 passport denial success stories. These are some of the larger collections reported:
- California: $253,500 for travel
- Arizona: $154,400 for travel
- Texas: $149,600 for travel
- Illinois: $82,000 for travel
- North Carolina: $63,700 for work travel
- Louisiana: $57,000 for travel
- North Dakota: $40,300 for job training travel
- New York: $37,500 for vacation travel to the Caribbean
- Washington: $24,900 for work travel
- Virgin Islands: $22,700 from a seized bank account that settled passport denial arrears
For more information about the Passport Denial Program or to share a story, email the OCSS Passport Denial team at scollections@acf.hhs.gov or visit the Passport Denial Program webpage.
Start a Conversation about Emergency Preparedness
Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response
September is National Preparedness Month, an annual opportunity to focus on supporting individuals, households, and communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. This year’s theme is “Start a Conversation .” We’re encouraging families to take time to create or review plans that help them stay safe during natural disasters and emergencies. It’s also a great time for child support programs to review emergency office plans so you’re prepared to serve families when they'll need it most.
The National Preparedness Month toolkit has several resources (in multiple languages) that you can share with families:
- Steps for starting an emergency preparedness conversation
- Social media messages and graphics
- Emergency supply list
- Ways to sign up for alerts and warnings
- Checklist to safeguard important documents
Comprehensive approach to disaster response
Earlier this year, OCSS published a rule to help child support programs weather natural disasters and emergencies. The rule allows OCSS to provide targeted, time-limited relief to states when emergencies impact program performance. It allows OCSS to waive penalties for failure to meet the requirements when an emergency impacts a state’s ability to achieve the standards for paternity establishment, support order establishment, and current collections upon a request by a state. This relief is designed to allow state programs to focus on serving families most in need of public assistance during a crisis without the added pressure of penalties.
OCSS and OHSEPR are also partnering to help state program directors develop plans to maintain continuity of services when the provider network may be disrupted by disasters or other incidents.
For other preparedness tips, follow ACF’s Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response on X and LinkedIn .
Honoring and Supporting Grandparents
Artish Fountain, OCSS
Do you have an important life lesson you learned from your grandparents or cherished memories with them that brighten your day? I remember when my grandparents would take me on their weekly run to the laundromat, and my grandmother would buy me a chocolate moon pie from the vending machine. I remember thinking “yummy!” as I sat swinging my legs in that orange chair, savoring every bite.
Each September, we celebrate National Grandparents Day, a time to reflect and honor these family members who bring so much to our lives. Grandparents give advice, share cultural traditions, pass down family history, provide child care, show love, and are role models. Sometimes, grandparents can also be primary caregivers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2021 about 6.7 million Americans lived with their grandchildren. Of this number, 32.7% were responsible for their care. Grandparents raising their grandchildren can find it rewarding, but it can also be challenging. They may find themselves financially strapped and needing to open a child support case to get support from the child’s mom and dad.
Grandparents can sign up for child support services by contacting their local child support office. They can learn how it works and how it’s enforced on our Understanding Child Support webpage. ACF also has other resources for grandparents seeking financial help to care for young relatives.
Ways to celebrate grandparents
The benefits of a child’s relationship with grandparents are irreplaceable. Let’s take the gratitude we express in September and carry it throughout the year. Consider giving them a gift or a card, spending time with them doing their favorite hobbies, or cooking a family meal in their honor. If your grandparent is no longer with you, share fond memories of them with your family and friends. The important thing is to celebrate them and appreciate their significance in your life. Thanks to all the grandparents out there!
Resource Alert: Child Support and Employers Infographic
See our infographic (PDF) to see how employers collaborate with the child support program to ensure children get the support they need.
Policy Recap
OCSS issued recent guidance to help states and tribes develop and operate their child support programs according to federal laws and regulations:
- Revision to Tribal Direct Funding Request: 45 CFR 309 Plan (09/10/24)
- Data Reliability Audit Requirements - FY 2024 (09/10/24)
- Submittal of Annual Certification Letter — 2024 (08/30/24)
- Open Comment Period — Intergovernmental Reference Guide (08/16/24)
- Section 1115 Waivers to Fund NCP Work Activities — Update (08/13/24)
- Open Comment Period - OCSS-157 Annual Data Report (08/12/24)
About Child Support Report
Child Support Report is published monthly by the Office of Child Support Services. We welcome articles and high-quality digital photos to consider for publication. We reserve the right to edit for style, content and length, or not accept an article. OCSS does not endorse the practices or individuals in this newsletter. You may reprint an article in its entirety (or contact the author or editor for permission to excerpt); please identify Child Support Report as the source.
Jeff Hild Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, performing the delegable duties of the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families | Tanguler Gray Commissioner, OCSS |
Crystal Peeler Director, Division of Customer Communications | Andrew Phifer Editor, CSR.Editor@acf.hhs.gov |