COSCA Resolution IV

In Support of Pursuing Child Support Initiatives 

WHEREAS, in May 2003, the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) sponsored the 2nd National Symposium on Children, Courts, and the Federal Child Support Enforcement Program for the purpose of identifying critical issues that require collaboration between the courts, child support agencies, and Medicaid agencies; and 

WHEREAS, continued collaboration between state court leaders and OCSE will be needed to improve the outcomes for the children of America who do not live with both of their parents; and  

WHEREAS, following the Symposium, the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators reviewed the many issues discussed at the Symposium and identified three priority issues – 1) uncollectable arrears, 2) default orders, and 3) interstate case processing; and  

WHEREAS, potential strategies could include, but would not be limited to 1) identifying alternatives available to judges for dealing with cases in which the arrears are not realistically collectable, 2) developing model procedures and court rules to reduce the number of default orders and to set appropriate default order amounts, 3) identifying model procedures and court rules that facilitate interstate cooperation and communication; and 4) sponsoring regional training meetings for representatives from the courts and Executive Branch agencies.  

WHEREAS, as the leadership for State Courts, the two Conferences are committed to identifying and implementing changes in enforcement, court, and other processes, procedures, and rules for the purpose of improving the collection of child support; and   

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of State Court Administrators is committed to working collaboratively with the OCSE, IV-D agency directors, and state legislators to examine and make changes in enforcement, court, and other processes, procedures, and rules that will effectuate improved outcomes for children.

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