dcl9711.htm

Evaluation of Child Access Demonstration Projects

March 5, 1997 DC-97-11

TO ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

RE: Evaluation of Child Access Demonstration Projects

Dear Colleague:

Enclosed is a recent Report to Congress submitted by the Secretary as required by Section 504 of the Family Support Act of 1988.

This report summarizes the results of eight demonstration projects in

Idaho, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Iowa, and Arizona to develop, improve, or expand activities designed to increase the compliance with child access provisions of court orders.

The report indicates that when both parents attend mediation sessions parenting plans can be arrived at in 65% to 70% of cases with child access problems. There was some increase in both visitation and child support compliance in the experimental groups vis a vis the control groups. Relitigation on child access matters was low (5%) but unaffected by the

demonstrations; the time to resolve disputes was also not affected.

Other interventions (e.g., parenting training, counseling) for more long term and problematic cases did not have a significant impact. It was difficult to

assess the impact of demonstrations on the child's emotional adjustment to

divorce and separation.

For more information contact David Arnaudo of the Division of Policy and Planning; he can be reached at the Office of Child Support Enforcement at the above address or at (202) 401-5364.

Sincerely,

David Gray Ross

Deputy Director

Office of Child Support

Enforcement

Enclosure

cc: ACF Hub Directors and CSE Regional Administrators

CSE Regional Program Managers