As a continuation of our joint efforts regarding undistributed collections (UDC), I am pleased to share the UDC best practices paper which was compiled by the National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD). Within the paper you will note two distinct sections.
The main paper focuses on states that have been able to reduce the UDC below 2% of overall collections, and maintain that decrease for at least two Federal Fiscal Years – FFY 01 and FFY 02. NCCSD expects that this will be useful for you and your staff, not only in discussions with advocates and the media, but also in efforts to assist other states to obtain a similar reduction. This can easily be used in conjunction with the “Child Support Enforcement FY 2002 Preliminary Data Report” which indicated an 11% decrease in UDC from FFY 01 to FFY 02.
The addendum provides information on two additional states that have focused on UDC and their ideas on how to address the issue. While as of the end of FFY 02 their reductions were less than the states highlighted in part one, they anticipate that larger reductions in UDC will result from their efforts in future Fiscal Years.
Ideas were obtained from a number of states. While we could not include them all in this short document, it illustrates that all states are taking the UDC problem seriously. While there is commonality between states, we found that one size does not fit all, and each state must analyze their own issues, and take steps to determine the cause in their particular state, and to find the appropriate resolution.
We also want to re-emphasize NCCSD’s full commitment to maintaining the spotlight on the UDC issue, and continuing to ensure that all child support collected is sent to families. As part of our annual meeting this year, one of the four topics on which we will spend most of our time is UDC. Several directors who have been very successful in getting their arms around the issue will be sharing techniques with the other states.
We look forward to a continuing dialogue on this issue. Please have your staff contact me if they have questions or need additional follow-up.