In 2020, OCSS launched a project to update guidance for tribes interested in starting a child support program. Ultimately, this effort expanded into a multi-year effort to produce resources that will help tribes and tribal organizations apply for federal funding to start a unique child support program that meets the cultural needs of tribal children and families.
A tribe or tribal organization can apply to get $500,000 in federal funding to begin the start-up phase of a child support program and can take up to two years to prepare to meet federal regulations. Once the start-up phase is complete, programs apply for funding to operate their comprehensive program.
Based on feedback from our partnership with the National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors, we convened the Start-up Guide Workgroup. This group included seven tribal child support directors from around the country and OCSS staff.
We want to increase the number of tribal programs so children benefit from programs that are consistent with their history, values, and cultures.
Updated resources
Through bi-weekly meetings and line-by-line review of the outdated guidance, the workgroup developed three documents:
- Start-Up Application Guidance (PDF): An overview of the tribal child support program and things to consider when applying for funding.
- Program Development Plan Work Aid (DOCX): A program development plan (PDP) that describes the specific steps to take to comply with 45 CFR 309.65(a)
and offers key considerations to meet the 14 required elements with space to take notes.
- Tribal Child Support Program Overview (PPTX): An overview of the tribal child support program, including the history and requirements for operating a tribal child support program.
We want to thank the workgroup members for their time and effort in producing these documents. We hope these resources grow the number of tribal child support programs to improve outcomes for tribal children and families.
To learn more about the tribal child support program and how it can benefit your tribe or tribal organization, email OCSS.Tribal@acf.hhs.gov.
Tanguler Gray, Commissioner
This blog gives the commissioner a forum to communicate directly with child support professionals and other partners about relevant topics. The Commissioner’s Voice is reprinted from the April 2024 Child Support Report newsletter.