Open Comment Period – Intergovernmental Reference Guide

DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER

DCL-19-15

DATE: December 16, 2019

TO: State and Tribal IV-D Directors

SUBJECT: Open Comment Period — Intergovernmental Reference Guide

Dear Colleague:

The Intergovernmental Reference Guide (IRG) is an online repository of profiles containing high-level descriptions of each state and tribal child support program. The IRG provides an effective and efficient method for accessing and updating the profiles with child support information needed for state, tribal, and foreign country child support agencies to process intergovernmental child support cases.

In accordance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, OCSE is soliciting public comment about the IRG on (a) whether the information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency; (b) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (c) the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden.  A notice for public comment was published on November 29, 2019, in the Federal Register on page 65818, Volume 84, Number 230  (PDF).

We made changes to the IRG, adding a new Section O with six questions pertaining to family violence in the state profile. This will help process intergovernmental cases with family violence and ensure the safety of children and families. OCSE is also proposing to delete Sections A-L (140 questions) from the tribal profile and create new Sections A-D with 11 questions regarding case processing to help process paternity and support obligations efficiently.

Please send your comments and suggestions to infocollection@acf.hhs.gov and reference OMB control number 0970—0209. Consideration will be given to comments received by January 28, 2020.

Sincerely,

Scott M. Lekan
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement