Issue Summary:

1. Review of paternity testing policy for children in custody of DSS – clarification of letter dated 12/03/02.  DSS must refer child to IV-D for Child Support services in order to use genetic testing contacts by Child Support agency.  This policy is for non IV-D cases.
2. Report to General Assembly – Bill Upchurch reported that he and committee from IV-D committee had met and reached an agreement on the data and format that information should be presented to the legislature.  Other productivity reports showing rankings among counties will be sent to Directors for internal use.
3. Child Support Legislative Agenda – the committee discussed the legislative agenda proposed by the Division regarding child support issues.  The committee members had no problem with the proposed agenda as most were technical revisions.
4. New Policy – approved by the committee.
5. Protection of confidential information – New issue.  State requested Directors’ support in their policy to not allow access to child support information to private companies contracting with clients for child support services.  The committee voiced support of the State in this issue and matter is to be referred to the Advocacy Committee.  The Advocacy Committee will be asked to discuss and make a recommendation regarding supporting the State’s efforts to restrict the release of information to private vendors.

Position or Policy Recommendation for Board Action:

General Information for Dissemination:

 Amnesty program will be initiated again this year for counties that wish to participate.  Over $4 million was collected last year.