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Child Support Report - May 2000
Undated Systems Certification Guidance for States
Major Changes to PRWORA Certification Objectives
Women in the United States: A Profile
Technology-Based Training Tested in Seattle Region
CBT Courses To Be Put on OCSE Web
States' Use of Standardized Income Withholding Form Helps Employers
South Carolina Evaluates "First Things First" Media Campaign
Expanded FPLS Social Security Number Matches Top Three Million
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Updated Systems Certification Guidance for States
By: Robin Rushton
To assist states in preparing for PRWORA certification reviews, OCSE has issued updates to the Automated Systems for Child Support Enforcement: A Guide for States, commonly referred to as the PRWORA Certification Guide. Also, the agency has issued a new release, version 1.03, for the Financial Distribution Test Deck Generator.
PRWORA Certification Guide
OCSE Action Transmittal 99-16 updates the March 1999 Certification Guide by:
- Providing corrections and clarifications to the certification objectives;
- Updating Appendix A;
- Providing a new Appendix B that contains guidance for states in updating their certification questionnaire for PRWORA; and
- Providing a new Appendix C that contains a checklist of PRWORA requirements.
The Guide defines the minimum functionality required of a child support automated system and establishes the certification criteria for states' use in meeting all Title IV-D requirements as prescribed by the Family Support Act of 1988 (FSA 88), PRWORA, and implementing regulations. Program and system regulations form the foundation of the Guide.
A primary change to the Certification Guide is that, in addition to conducting functional reviews and Level I (pilot) and Level II (statewide) certification reviews, OCSE will conduct incremental certification reviews. If OCSE determines that the functionality for specific objectives has been met, it will be noted on a checklist that is part of Appendix C of the PRWORA Certification Guide. ACF reserves the right to re-review any PRWORA or FSA 88 function during any subsequent review.
Another change is that Appendix B now provides more guidance to the states regarding the type of information that is being sought in the PRWORA Questionnaire. The revised Guide can be found on the Internet at: www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/.
Appendix B now provides more guidance to the states regarding the type of information that is being sought in the PRWORA Questionnaire.
Questions and responses on certification or functional requirements can be found on the OCSE web site at www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/stsys/qanda.htm.
Financial Distribution Test Deck Generator
An updated revision of the PRWORA Financial Distribution Test Deck Generator (FDTDG), Version 1.03, is now available. The OSCE FDTDG was developed to assist states in assessing processing compliance with the new PRWORA guidelines. This version of the FDTDG does not change any of the distribution scenarios but adds features to the help screen, such as:
- The ability to directly print the state policy option election pages from within the test deck, independent of printing any scenarios. The policy elections pages also will still be printed whenever any scenario is selected for printing;
- The latest version of the OCSE 34-A report format, which has been incorporated into the Test Deck along with the Report's instructions; and
- The test deck help system within version 1.03, which also contains new reference materials that were published after its initial release. The specific documents are: AT 99-10, 99-01, 98-26, 98-24, 98-17, 98-15, and PIQ 99-03.
If you would like more information or need additional copies of the OCSE FDTDG, you may call Mandar Kulkarni at (703) 345-8107 or e-mail your request to mandar.kulkarni@trw.com. Please specify whether you want CD-ROM or diskettes.
Robin Rushton is Director, Division of State Systems, OCSE.
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Major Changes to PRWORA Certification Objectives
Review and Adjustment updated to reflect regulatory changes in OCSE AT-99-01;
Uploading of FIPS Code clarified to permit use of Automated IRG on the Internet;
Wage Withholding updated to reflect notices to employer and noncustodial parent and to remove some tracking of timeframes;
Medical Support notice deleted until proposed regulation finalized;
Administrative Enforcement of Interstate deleted until pilot and data specifications finalized; and
State Disbursement Unit customer service requirement deleted as an automation requirement.
My View
David Gray Ross
Those of you who have followed developments in child support over the past seven years in which I have been Commissioner of OCSE know that we have made a major effort to build coalitions in pursuit of the common goal of "Children First." This effort has, I believe, brought about a beneficial change in the culture of OCSE and the nation's child support community. Our openness has paid dividends in the success of child support during these years.
The great majority-about 85 percent-of our custodial parents are mothers. The standard of living of a woman with custody of children is generally reduced following a divorce, and never-married women with children have a particularly difficult time of it financially.
For many mothers and their children, child support is a significant source of income that can help them become self-sufficient. All families headed by mothers have to struggle much harder than two-parent families to make ends meet. Child support can and does make a real difference to them in managing food, shelter, clothing, medical, dental, and other expenses.
During this Mothers Day season, let's take a moment to recognize and honor those women who have to shoulder the responsibilities of both parents. Many of them are doing an outstanding job in very demanding circumstances, and we need to remind ourselves of that from time to time.
More than that, however, it's imperative for every one of us in child support to do his or her best each day on behalf of these families. They count on us.
Happy Mothers Day to all..
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Women in the United States: A Profile
Most single female custodial parents had child support awards
In the spring of 1996, 11.6 million, or 85 percent, of the 13.7 million custodial parents were women. Eight million, or 58 percent, of all custodial parents had child support awards-61 percent for mothers and 40 percent for fathers. In 1995, 70 percent of mothers due payments actually received at least a portion of the amount they were owed, getting an average of $3,767 that year. The corresponding figures for fathers were 57 percent and $3,370, respectively. Nonetheless, 33.3 percent of custodial mothers and 14.3 percent of custodial fathers were poor in 1995.
Women outnumber men
In March 1999, the civilian noninstitutional population of the United States totaled approximately 272 million-139 million female and 133 million male. At the younger ages (under 20 years), the male-female ratio was 105 to 100, but for the ages of 20-44, it was 98 to 100. This ratio continues to decline with age, reaching 49 men to 100 women at the ages of 85 and over.
Women are marrying later
In 1998, the median age at first marriage for women was 25.0 years. Just a generation ago, in 1970, the age of first marriage was 20.8 years. The median age at first marriage for men was 26.7 years in 1998, up from 23.2 years in 1970.
Women still earn less than men
The median earnings of women 25 years and over who worked full-time, year-round in 1998 were $26,711, 73 percent of their male counterparts' median earnings of $36,679.
The median earnings of women with a high school diploma were $21,963, compared with $30,868 for their male counterparts;
The median earnings of women with a bachelor's degree were $35,408, compared with $49,982 for their male counterparts.
Source:U.S. Census Bureau, March, 2000 .
Technology-Based Training Tested in Seattle Region
By: David Thomas
Recently, the Region X (Seattle) Office of Child Support invited participants from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington State to attend the Graduate School, USDA course, Instructional System Design for Technology-Based Training (TBT). (See the December '99 CSR for more information on TBT.)
This training provides the knowledge necessary to design a course for delivery in a technology-based format, such as CD-ROM (CBT) or the Web (WBT). Structured to provide an understanding of TBT design principles as well as "how to," the course is recommended for trainers, designers, and programmers alike.
Participants had opportunities to work on real-life training projects they brought with them. First, they learned to evaluate whether technology-based training fit their needs. Then, working in groups, they designed the flow, navigation, and overall look of the course. Finally, they produced storyboards, developed criteria for analyzing course effectiveness, and created an implementation plan.
Comments indicated that all state participants saw uses for this type of training in their respective offices, where new employees need basic informational training. Newly hired employees, or employees transferred from other offices, often find it inconvenient to wait until there are enough people to arrange for group training. And sometimes the location of offices in a state makes group training impractical. TBT overcomes these obstacles by allowing individuals to train at their desks and at their own pace and convenience.
For more information, contact David Thomas at (206) 615-2550 X 3111.
David Thomas is a Program Analyst in OCSE's Seattle Regional Office.
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CBT Courses To Be Put on OCSE Web
OCSE's six computer-based training (CBT) modules (Orientation, Locate, Paternity Establish ment, Enforcement Remedies, Interstate, and Distribution) are another enhancement of the agency's overall Web presence. The courses have received positive feedback from users and child support agencies across the country. The Orientation course recently received a Multimedia and Internet Training Award in a national competition sponsored by Brandon Hall (see January, 2000 CSR).
To make its CBT training courses even more useful, OCSE is working with the USDA Graduate School to convert the course CD-ROMS to Web-based training. Web-based training offers several advantages over CD-Roms, providing "anytime anywhere just-in-time just enough training" for the user without the necessity for a CD-ROM drive. Also, Web-based training can easily be updated if and when needed (e.g., when laws change), while CD-ROMS are permanent and must be totally re-done if changes are needed.
The Interstate and Orientation courses are expected to be available as Web-based training during fiscal year 2000. Interstate has been recently converted and is already on the OCSE Web site. Orientation, in the beginning stages of conversion, is scheduled for completion by late summer. OCSE plans to convert the remaining four courses in FY 2001. For more information, call Charlene Butler at (202) 401-5091.
Return to top of newsletter States' Use of Standardized Income Withholding Form Helps Employers
In 1997, the Federal Government published a standardized form called "Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Child Support." Its use is mandated by 42 USC 666(a)(8)(B) for "all child support orders which are initially issued in the State on or after January 1, 1994."
Employers have the responsibility to implement any income withholding order that appears "regular on its face." Since employers recognize the standardized form and understand its terms, its use can assist in their determination of validity and eliminate delays.
The form contains standardized data elements that help the employer deduct child and medical support payments more efficiently. Specifically, the form tells the employer:
- When the withholding must begin;
- How much is to be withheld;
- What the withholding is for (current support, past-due support, medical expenses, cost and fees including attorney fees);
- How to remit payments;
- Where to remit payments; and
- What to do in the event the employee terminates employment.
When using this form, be sure to include a phone number where you can be reached and be prepared to answer any questions the employer may have. The form can be obtained from OCSE's web site: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/pol/at-9803.htm.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact one of the individuals listed below:
Carol Callahan
OCSE
Employer Service (202) 401-6969
ccallahan@acf.dhhs.gov
Michael O'Toole
American Payroll Association
(212) 686-2030
motoole@amercianpayroll.org
Laura Morgan
American Bar Association
(804) 817-6574
goddess@supportguidelines.com.
Return to top of newsletter South Carolina Evaluates "First Things First" Media Campaign
By: Kathy Brazell
South Carolina's "First Things First" (FTF) public awareness media campaign, created by the Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) of the Department of Social Services, hopes to change the attitudes of young people about childbearing. The main message: an education, job, and marriage should precede having children.
(See the December '99 CSR for a report on earlier aspects of this campaign, including a baseline survey of students and parents.)
Designed to help children set goals, the campaign consists of television commercials and educational materials distributed to schools. This article will concentrate on the evaluation of two television ads that aired across South Carolina during the summer months of 1999.
The two commercials-each 30 seconds in length and targeted to young people aged 11 to 20-were the focal point of the campaign. One used animation to show that a baby needs to be cared for 24 hours a day. The second showed the Governor of South Carolina, his wife, and a group of children talking about FTF.
After the airing of the commercials, a local consulting firm conducted a follow up evaluation designed to measure the campaign's effectiveness in changing perceptions and attitudes.
The evaluation provided information about the extent to which the media campaign had been successful in reaching its target audience. It consisted of a self-administered survey with over 200 middle-school students (nearly half of whom lived in two-parent homes) and a mail survey with 400 parents.
Forty percent of the students had already seen the FTF television commercials, and about half of this group indicated they had discussed them with their parents. As part of the evaluation, however, all students were shown the ads.
Though both commercials were well liked by the students, the animated ad was slightly better liked. One reason appears to be that it offers information rather than advice. For example, it tells viewers the average number of diapers a baby needs in the first year of life.
Students appreciated the honesty of the message, and open-ended comments suggest that the reality of raising a baby was not something commonly discussed with them. Students suggested that future ads might include pregnant teenagers or teen mothers, as they would lend a sense of realism to the ad.
Differences were found among students' reactions depending on age and gender. Younger students (6th graders) were more likely than older ones to agree with FTF statements. Also, girls tended to agree with the campaign's message more strongly than boys. Boys were more likely to agree with the statement that it is "okay to start a family before you finish school." Girls also agreed more strongly with the statement that their "parents talk to them about the difficulties teenage parents face."
Parents also considered the media ads effective, and more than half of the parents who had seen the ads stated that they talked to their child about the FTF message.
An important lesson learned from this campaign is that, while parents do talk with their children about the importance of an education, a job, and marriage before starting a family, they would like more information and help in discussing these tough issues with their children. The evaluation also shows that while mothers and teachers strongly influence students' decisions in these areas, the students, too, need more, and more realistic, information about what it means to be a teen parent.
For the campaign as a whole, the evaluation revealed that television commercials, while effective, need to be aired repeatedly in order to be recalled by the audience. A more efficient method of reaching students, especially younger ones, might be through educational materials in schools and through teachers, who are, with parents, a source of trusted advice.
CSED plans to continue this campaign with additional television and radio commercials, billboard advertising, and continued presentations in schools and other organizations.
For further information about the First Things First media campaign and the results of the study, contact Kathy Brazell at (803) 898-9338.
Kathy Brazell is Project Administrator for the Child Support Enforcement Division of the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
Return to top of newsletter MSFIDM in Massachusetts
By: Diana P. Obbard
In January 1993, the Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) implemented a successful automated in-State bank levy program. Levying the accounts of noncustodial parents in Massachusetts' financial institutions for the past seven years has resulted in collections of $30 million in past-due child support.
Until the advent of the Multistate Financial Institution Data Match (MSFIDM), DOR could not levy out-of-state bank accounts. Recently, DOR started putting MSFIDM information to use by sending levy notices directly to financial institutions in other states.
For example, based on MSFIDM information received from OCSE, Massachusetts' CSED sent levies directly to a North Carolina bank, with the following results:
- One custodial parent was owed more than $11,000 for her 15-year-old twin daughters and a seven-year-old son. It had been more than two years since the noncustodial parent, now living in Georgia, had sent any child support payments. The North Carolina bank remitted $11,709, satisfying the debt in full.
- A second custodial parent was owed $5,514 in unpaid child support for her 17-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter. Even though the noncustodial parent had been paying his weekly order plus 25 percent on arrears, it would have taken over eight years for the arrears to be paid. The North Carolina bank remitted the entire amount.
In another case, the noncustodial parent lived in Florida, had a bank account in Virginia, and owed a total of $18,501 to the custodial parent and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each week, DOR received $60.00, which met the current obligation but did nothing to reduce arrears. When the noncustodial parent received a copy of the Massachusetts Direct Levy, he immediately contacted the Department of Revenue's Customer Service Bureau and paid the arrears in full.
Thanks to MSFIDM, state child support enforcement agencies now have the ability to locate and levy funds owed for child support when the money is in a bank account in another state.
For additional information, call Erik Kirby at (617) 626-4224 or Brad Kramer at (617) 626-4161.
Diana Obbard is the Director of Project Development for Massachusetts.
Return to top of newsletter Ad Council Campaign Update
By: Rob Cohen
The Parental Responsibility Public Service Announcement Campaign, developed through a unique public-private partnership of HHS OCSE, the States of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Maryland, The Advertising Council, and the ad agency Ogilvy and Mather, speaks to the importance of fathers to their children. ("They're Your Kids, Be Their Dad," April '99 CSR). For the period of January-December 1999, total media support for this national multimedia Campaign had an estimated valued of $31.8 million.
Radio provided the greatest support, accounting for about 59 percent of the total media support received, with the 60-second spot "The Girl" receiving the most play. Television accounted for almost 36 percent of total support received, with the 30-second spot "The Boy" leading the way.
Support was spread throughout the nation. By dollar value, it was greatest in the following metropolitan areas: Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Wichita, Houston, Cleveland, Hartford/New Haven, and Orlando.
Transit boards contributed about three percent of the support received. While newspapers accounted for just one percent of the total media support, the New York Post provided major support for the campaign in the 4th Quarter of 1999.
The partners are gearing up for the next phase of the Campaign. As we receive further information, we will pass it on to you. If you would like to learn more about the Ad Council Campaign, contact Rob Cohen at (202) 401-9373.
Rob Cohen is Deputy Director of OCSE's Division of Consumer Services.
Return to top of newsletter Certification Continues
Certification of the systems of the District of Columbia, North Dakota, and Kansas brings to 46 the total number of states whose automated systems have received certification.
Return to top of newsletter Robert Doar Honored
Robert Doar, Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and Director of Child Support Enforcement, has been honored by the American Society for Public Administration with ASPA's New Public Administrator Award. This award is presented in recognition of outstanding individual service and initiative which has exemplified superior management and administration within New York State by an individual with less than 10 years experience in public administration.
New York Governor George E. Pataki congratulated Mr. Doar, citing him as a "tremendous asset to this administration," and a leader who "represents the highest ideals of public service."
Mr. Doar has been New York's Child Support Director since November 1995. Since his appointment, he has been responsible for implementing numerous changes in New York's Child Support Program to improve service to customers. In addition to directing the statewide implementation of the driver's license suspension program, Mr. Doar oversaw the setting up of the statewide New Hire Directory and the establishment of a partnership with the State Department of Taxation and Finance for the collection of child support.
Return to top of newsletter Expanded FPLS Social Security Number Matches Top Three Million
From October 1, 1998 to March 31, 2000, there were 3,506,283 unduplicated SSNs matched through the expanded Federal Parent Locator Service. Locating sources were Quarterly Wage Data, W4, and Unemployment Insurance.
Return to top of newsletter Evaluation Report of Child Support, Child Care, and Head Start Collaboration Projects Available on Internet
In 1997, OCSE awarded grants to six States - Alaska, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Missouri - to develop models of collaboration between the Child Support Enforcement, Head Start, and Child Care Programs. The three-year projects were to promote and facilitate access to Child Support services through local Child Care and Head Start centers and to generate a broader understanding of child support and parenting issues within the three programs.
OCSE also funded an evaluation study of the implementation process of these projects, and the report of the study is now available on the Internet. Entitled, Getting Off the Ground: Early Implementation Findings About Child Support Enforcement, Head Start and Child Care Collaboration Demonstrations, it may be found by first going to www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/prgrpt.htm, then to the drop-down box on that page to find the report. Then hit the "go" button.
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