[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]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
[[Page 60883]]
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