March 16, 2004
Cynthia Hart P.O. Box 90933 Santa Barbara, CA
Re: Expanding IV-D Child Support Program to Enforce Spousal-Only Support
Dear Ms. Hart:
As President of the National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD) I am writing to clarify our position on your proposal to expand the mission of the IV-D Child Support Program to include enforcement of spousal-only support.
NCCSD has significant concerns about your proposal and has adopted a position paper on this subject in response. The position paper is attached.
In summary, we are concerned about the expenditure of federal and states funds for this purpose, at a time when many state child support programs are shrinking because of a lack of funds. Expanding the caseload, even for a minimal percentage of cases, would further denigrate the quality of services provided to children. In addition, the impact on state child support programs would go well beyond just simply adding cases. State laws would have to be changed. Automated systems would have to be modified. The resolution of interstate legal issues would place a further drain on the program.
We understand your concern and your mission to seek governmental aid to address this significant and important issue. However, NCCSD cannot lend its support.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Chinnock NCCSD President
Attachment: spousal support proposal
Cc:OCSE, NCSEA, WICSEC, ERICSA, CLASP, APHSA, NCSL