[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 2, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60880-60883]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24107]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of 
Authority

AGENCY: Office of Child Support Enforcement, Administration for 
Children and Families, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Statement of organization, functions, and delegations of 
authority.
    The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has reorganized 
the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE). This reorganization 
realigns the functions of the Office of Child Support Enforcement. It 
eliminates the Office of Automation and Program Operations and moves 
the functions to the Division of Federal Systems. It also eliminates 
the Division of Special Staffs and moves the functions to the Division 
of Program Innovation and the Division of Regional Operations. 
Additionally, it creates the Division of Regional Operations. There are 
several Division name changes that are as follows: The Division of 
Management Services to the Division of Business and Resource 
Management; the Division of Consumer Services to the Division of 
Customer Communications; the Division of Planning, Research and 
Evaluation to the Division of Performance and Statistical Analysis; the 
Division of Policy to the Division of Policy and Training; and the 
Division of State, Tribal and Local Assistance to the Division of 
Program Innovation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vicki Turetsky, Commissioner, Office 
of Child Support Enforcement, 901 D Street SW., Washington, DC 20447, 
(202) 401-9369.
    This notice amends Part K of the Statement of Organization, 
Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), 
as follows: Chapter KF, Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), as 
last amended in 71 FR 59117-59123, October 6, 2006.
    I. Under Chapter KF, Office of Child Support Enforcement, delete KF 
in its entirety and replace with the following:
    KF.00 MISSION. The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) 
advises the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for Children and 
Families/Director of the Office of Child Support Enforcement, on 
matters pertaining to the child support and access and visitation 
programs. OCSE provides direction, guidance and oversight to state and 
tribal child support, the Central Authority for international child 
support cases, and State Access and Visitation Programs for activities 
authorized and directed by title IV-D of the Social Security Act and 
other pertinent legislation. OCSE's core mission is dedicated to 
establishing paternity and obtaining child support in order to 
encourage responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency and child 
well-being and to recognize the essential role of both parents in 
supporting their children. The national child support program assures 
that assistance in obtaining support, including financial and medical, 
is available to children, through locating parents, establishing 
paternity, establishing and modifying support obligations, and 
monitoring and enforcing those obligations. The specific 
responsibilities of this Office are to: Develop, recommend and issue 
policies, procedures and interpretations for state and tribal programs 
for locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, and 
obtaining child support; develop procedures for review and approval or 
disapproval of state and tribal plan material; conduct audits of state 
child support programs; assist states and tribes in establishing 
adequate reporting procedures and maintaining records for the operation 
of their child support programs and of amounts collected and disbursed 
under the child support program and the costs incurred in collecting 
such amounts; operate the United States and Tribes Central Authority 
for International Child Support; and monitor the access/visitation and 
fatherhood programs; provide technical assistance and training to the 
states and tribes to help them develop effective procedures and systems 
for services provided by the child support program, including 
automation, outreach, referral, case management, and family-centered 
service delivery strategies in partnership with employers, courts, and 
responsible fatherhood, workforce, and other programs to increase the 
long-term reliability of support payments available to children. OCSE 
also operates competitive grant programs for child support in 
collaboration with several other components within the Administration 
for Children and Families. It also operates the Federal Parent Locator 
Service (FPLS); certifies to the Secretary of the Treasury amounts of 
child support obligations that require collection in appropriate 
instances; transmits to the Secretary of State certifications of 
arrearages for passport denial; submits reports to Congress, as 
requested, on activities undertaken relative to the child support 
program; approves advanced data processing planning documents; and 
reviews, assesses and inspects planning, design and operation of state 
and tribal management information systems. FPLS also assists other 
federal, state and tribal agencies not involved in child support to 
fulfill their respective missions, save taxpayer dollars, and improve 
service to the public.
    KF.10 ORGANIZATION. The Office of Child Support Enforcement is 
headed by the Director. The office is organized as follows:

Office of the Director/Deputy Director/Commissioner (KFA)
Office of Audit (KFAA)
Office of the Deputy Commissioner (KFB)
Division of Business and Resource Management (KFB2)
Division of Customer Communications (KFB3)
Division of Performance and Statistical Analysis (KFB4)
Division of Policy and Training (KFB5)
Division of Program Innovation (KFB7)
Division of Regional Operations (KFB8)
Child Support Services Regional Program Units (KFB8DI-X)
Division of Federal Systems (KFB9)
Division of State and Tribal Systems (KFB10)

    KF.20 FUNCTIONS. Office of the Director and Deputy Director/
Commissioner (KFA): The Director is also the Assistant Secretary for 
Children

[[Page 60881]]

and Families and is directly responsible to the Secretary for carrying 
out OCSE's mission. The Deputy Director/Commissioner has day-to-day 
operational responsibility for OCSE. The Deputy Director/Commissioner 
assists the Director in carrying out responsibilities of the Office and 
provides direction and leadership to the Office of the Deputy 
Commissioner and the Office of Audit.
    The Deputy Director/Commissioner provides leadership and direction 
to OCSE and is responsible for developing regulations, guidance and 
standards for state/tribes to follow in locating absent parents; 
establishing paternity and support obligations; maintaining 
relationships with Department officials, other federal departments, 
state and tribal and local officials, and private organizations and 
individuals interested in the child support program; coordinating and 
planning child support program activities to maximize program 
effectiveness; program outreach as well as access/visitation programs 
and advocacy interests and approving all instructions, policies and 
publications. The Deputy Director/Commissioner is also responsible for 
the operations and maintenance of the Federal Parent Locator Service 
(FPLS); management and financial analysis and strategy development; 
internal OCSE operations; and compliance with federal laws and 
policies. The Deputy Director/Commissioner is responsible for 
collaborating with the Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget and the 
Government Accountability Office on studies related to the child 
support program. In addition, the Deputy Director/Commissioner 
maintains OCSE's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
    Office of Audit (KFAA): The Office of Audit develops, plans, 
schedules and conducts periodic audits of child support programs in 
accordance with audit standards promulgated by the Comptroller General. 
The office is headed by an Office Director and reports directly to the 
Commissioner. The Office conducts audits, at least once every three 
years (or more frequently if it is determined that a state has 
unreliable data or fails to meet the performance standards), to 
determine the reliability of state financial and statistical data 
reporting systems used in calculating the performance indicators used 
as the basis for the payment of performance-based financial incentives 
to the state. These audits include testing of the data produced by the 
system to ensure that it is valid, complete and reliable. The audits 
also include a review of the state's physical security and access 
controls.
    The Office will also conduct financial audits to determine whether 
federal and other funds made available to carry out the child support 
program are being appropriately expended, and properly and fully 
accounted for. These audits will also examine collections and 
disbursements of support payments for proper processing and accounting. 
In addition, the Office will also conduct other audits and examinations 
of program operations as may be necessary or requested by program 
officials for the purpose of improving the efficiency, effectiveness 
and economy of state, tribal and local child support activities. The 
Office develops consolidated reports for the Commissioner, based on 
findings; provides specifications for the development of audit 
regulations and requirements for audits of state programs; and 
coordinates and maintains effective liaison with the HHS Inspector 
General's Office and with the Government Accountability Office.
    Office of the Deputy Commissioner (KFB): The Deputy Commissioner 
reports to the Deputy Director/Commissioner and assists the 
Commissioner in carrying out the responsibilities of OCSE. The Deputy 
Commissioner provides day-to-day supervision and oversight to the 
Division of Federal Systems, Division of State and Tribal Systems, 
Division of Business and Resource Management, Division of Customer 
Communications, Division of Performance and Statistical Analysis, 
Division of Policy and Training, Division of Program Innovation, and 
Division of Regional Operations. The Deputy Commissioner provides 
coordination within OCSE's business strategy driven IT strategic plan.
    Division of Business and Resource Management (KFB2): The Division 
of Business and Resource Management (BRM) is responsible for the 
overall management and operation of OCSE administrative services. The 
Division is headed by a Division Director who reports directly to the 
Deputy Commissioner. BRM leads all efforts related to the OCSE 
operating budget, personnel, contracts and acquisition, and space 
management. BRM is supported by three branches: The Budget and 
Financial Reporting branch manages, coordinates, and participates in 
the formulation and execution of the discretionary budgets for OCSE-
operated programs and for federal administration of the child support 
program. The Workforce Development branch (1) develops, implements and 
manages all activities related to succession planning and staff 
development efforts; (2) coordinates all personnel activities, 
including staffing, employee and labor relations, performance 
management, and employee recognition; (3) manages and provides 
technical assistance on time and attendance and travel management 
systems; (4) manages OCSE-controlled space and facilities; (5) plans 
for, acquires, distributes, and controls office supplies; and (6) 
provides messenger services, maintains equipment inventory, and 
provides for health and safety.
    The Acquisition and Program Support branch manages and coordinates 
procurement planning and provides technical assistance regarding all 
contract and iProcurement activities; and manages special projects for 
OCSE. Division of Customer Communications (KFB3): The Division of 
Customer Communications (DCC) provides leadership and direction for key 
communications for the national child support program to inform, engage 
and empower OCSE customers, partners, other stakeholders and the 
general public. The Division is headed by a Division Director who 
directly reports to the Deputy Commissioner and is supported by two 
branches. The Customer Service branch responds to individual customer 
requests for information about the program in general and on specific 
child support cases; and promotes ``promising'' child support practices 
through outreach campaigns and e-publication of the monthly Child 
Support Report. The Program Communications branch provides advice on 
strategies and approaches to improve public understanding of and access 
to OCSE programs and policies; develops and publishes informational 
materials on the OCSE Web site; and engages with our stakeholders 
through social media. With these information channels, the Division 
serves as a focal point for intergovernmental and customer relations 
and consultation, then advises the Deputy Director/Commissioner through 
the Deputy Commissioner of the impact of the child support program upon 
OCSE customers and stakeholders. Division of Performance and 
Statistical Analysis (KFB4): The Division of Performance and 
Statistical Analysis (DPSA) provides guidance, analysis, technical 
assistance and oversight to state and tribal child support programs 
regarding performance measurement; statistical, policy and program 
analysis; synthesis and dissemination of data sets to inform the 
program; and application of emerging technologies, such as

[[Page 60882]]

business intelligence and data analytics to improve and enhance the 
effectiveness of programs and service delivery. The Division is headed 
by a Division Director who reports directly to the Deputy Commissioner 
and is supported by the Performance Management and Analysis branch; and 
the Data Collection and Reporting branch. The Division is also 
responsible for collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of 
state and tribal data to Congress and the general public. The Division 
provides statistical and budgeting support in coordination with other 
divisions. The Division is responsible for promoting public access and 
understanding of data; managing academic/research projects; and 
providing support for researchers. The office will also provide 
technical assistance to states in developing their self-assessment 
capabilities and implementing the annual reporting requirements 
contained in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996.
    Division of Policy and Training (KFB5): The Division of Policy and 
Training (DPT) proposes and implements national policy for the child 
support program and provides policy guidance and interpretations to 
states and tribes in developing and operating their programs according 
to federal law. The Division is headed by a Division Director who 
directly reports to the Deputy Commissioner and is supported by the 
Policy branch and the Training branch. The Policy branch develops 
legislative proposals and regulations to implement new legislation, 
court decisions, or directives from higher authority and provides 
comments on pending legislative proposals. It develops new state plan 
preprint requirements and procedures for review and approval of state 
plans by the Division of Regional Operations and prepares the 
justification for state plan disapproval actions. The Division 
coordinates with the Office of General Counsel on pending departmental 
appeals and collaborates with ACF on audit resolution. It also 
implements Central Authority activities for international support 
enforcement. The Training branch provides national direction and 
leadership for OCSE training activities to increase child support 
program effectiveness at federal, state, and tribal levels; coordinates 
all training activities; and provides logistical support for training 
events, meetings, and conferences.
    Division of Program Innovation (KFB7): The Division of Program 
Innovation (DPI) develops, evaluates, and refines new strategies to 
improve child support program effectiveness; disseminates information 
about promising and evidence-based practices; and coordinates 
preparation of the OCSE strategic plan. The Division is headed by a 
Division Director who reports directly to the Deputy Commissioner. The 
Grants and Evaluation Branch, manages research and demonstration 
projects, including Section 1115 grants and waivers and Special 
Improvement Project grants, and promotes program evaluation at the 
state and local levels. The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships 
Branch implements special projects of regional or national 
significance, pilots new child support approaches, conducts strategic 
outreach, and builds collaborations with federal, state, tribal, local, 
and community agencies to efficiently improve child support services. 
The Division is responsible for consulting with states and tribes to 
periodically update the national strategic plan. The Division also 
administers the Access and Visitation Grant Program. Division of 
Regional Operations (KFB8): The Division of Regional Operations 
provides direct oversight of all child support Regional Program Unit 
operations including ensuring customer-focused partnerships to child 
support programs and services and implementation of child support 
regional operations, polices, budgets, and program compliance of all 10 
regions. This includes oversight of Regional Program Units providing 
technical assistance and support to state child support agencies. The 
Division is headed by a Director, who reports directly to the Deputy 
Commissioner. The Division of Regional Operations provides management 
and oversight of the Regions through coordinating activities between 
Central Office Divisions and the Regional Program Units. The Division 
provides information to improve public understanding of and access to 
OCSE programs and policies. The Division is responsible for providing 
oversight on all Regional representation at conferences and meetings 
both within the child support community and other collaborative 
programs and partners. The Division is also responsible for the 
management, receipt, review and analysis of public inquiries and the 
preparation of formal (both written and electronic) responses to 
external inquiries for child support program information and assistance 
in obtaining child support services.
    Child Support Enforcement Regional Program Units (KFB8DI-X): Each 
OCSE Regional Program Unit is headed by the OCSE Regional Program 
Manager who reports to the Director of the Division of Regional 
Operations. The OCSE Regional Program Manager, through subordinate 
regional staff, in collaboration with program components, is 
responsible for: (1) Providing program and technical administration of 
the ACF entitlement and discretionary programs related to OCSE; (2) 
collaborating with the ACF central office, states, tribes, and other 
external programs and grantees on all significant program and policy 
matters; (3) providing technical assistance and training to entities 
responsible for administering OCSE programs to resolve identified 
problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures and practices are 
adopted; (5) working with appropriate state, tribal and local offices 
to develop and implement family centered and supported practices; and 
(6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency and 
effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to federal 
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs.
    Division of Federal Systems (KFB9): The Division of Federal Systems 
(DFS) is responsible for the design, development, deployment, 
maintenance, and implementation of the Federal Parent Locator Service 
(FPLS). The Division is headed by a Division Director who directly 
reports to the Deputy Commissioner. FPLS is made up of a group of data 
sharing, collection and program systems, such as the federal tax offset 
program that helps OCSE support the core mission of the child support 
program and help prevent improper payments in state and federal benefit 
programs through NDNH data matching. DFS provides states with data to 
help them locate parents, establish fair and equitable child support 
obligations, process income withholding and payments, collect and 
enforce past due child support, and communicate effectively and 
efficiently. Additionally, DFS provides outreach, technical support, 
and training to child support agencies, employers, insurers, financial 
institutions, and other private and government partners to ensure that 
the FPLS systems are used to their maximum benefit.
    Division of State and Tribal Systems (KFB10): The Division of State 
and Tribal Systems (DSTS) reviews, analyzes, and approves/disapproves 
State and Tribal requests for Federal Financial Participation for 
automated systems development and operations activities which support 
the child support program. The Division is headed by a Division 
Director who directly reports to the Deputy

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Commissioner. The Division is supported by two branches: The Technical 
Services branch and the Systems Management branch. The Division 
provides assistance to states/tribes in developing or modifying 
automation plans to conform to federal requirements. It monitors 
approved state and tribal systems development activities; certifies 
state and tribal-wide automated systems; conducts periodic reviews to 
assure state and tribal compliance with regulatory requirements 
applicable to automated systems supported by Federal Financial 
Participation. It provides guidance to states and tribes on functional 
requirements for these automated information systems, and works with 
federal, state, local, and tribal health and human services agencies to 
foster and promote interoperability and collaboration across the 
automated systems that support their programs. It promotes interstate 
and tribal transfer of existing automated systems and provides 
assistance and guidance to improve ACF's programs through the use of 
automated systems and technology.
    II. Continuation of Policy. Except as inconsistent with this 
reorganization, all statements of policy and interpretations with 
respect to organizational components affected by this notice within 
ACF, heretofore issued and in effect on this date of this 
reorganization are continued in full force and effect.
    III. Delegation of Authority. All delegations and redelegations of 
authority made to officials and employees of affected organizational 
components will continue in them or their successors pending further 
redelegations, provided they are consistent with this reorganization.
    IV. Funds, Personnel, and Equipment. Transfer of organizations and 
functions affected by this reorganization shall be accompanied in each 
instance by direct and support funds, positions, personnel, records, 
equipment, supplies, and other resources.
    This reorganization will be effective upon date of signature.

     Dated: September 26, 2013.
George H. Sheldon,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 2013-24107 Filed 10-1-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P