DCL-06-02, Employer Symposium Report

DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER

DCL-06-02

ATTACHMENT: OCSE/NCSEA Symposium Report

DATE: January 12, 2006

TO: ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

RE: Employer Symposium Report

Dear Colleague:

In August 2005, the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) and the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA) conducted an Employer Symposium in Cincinnati, Ohio. This event, the first of its kind, recognized that our private and public sector employers are vital partners in the child support enforcement program. During the Symposium, state, county and federal child support staff engaged in discussions with representatives from large companies and agencies on issues of mutual interest, such as enhancing the program’s effectiveness through electronic business practices, improving communications, and increasing financial and medical support to families.

Symposium participants exchanged practical ideas and approaches on a number of issues. In many cases, they expressed their intent of implementing changes to their programs based on information shared during the discussions. In addition, participants identified short- and long-term solutions that OCSE, NCSEA, states, employers and employer organizations, such as the American Payroll Association, could consider for future implementation.

Attached is a copy of the report that was developed from the Symposium discussions. This report provides a summary of the major issues that were identified along with recommendations. It will be shared with all participants at the Symposium and posted on the OCSE and NCSEA websites.

We hope you find the information helpful as you continue working with employers to improve the lives of children.

Sincerely,

Margot Bean
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement

cc: Regional Program Managers
ACF Regional Administrators