DHHS, Office of Child Support Enforcement

This report was prepared for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) under contract with The Lewin Group. The study reviews the implementation of the performance-based incentive funding system through which the Federal government awards payments to state Child Support Enforcement programs. OCSE implemented the new incentive formula over the fiscal year 2000 to 2002 period. The statute provided a gradual phase-in, in part, so that state officials would havetime to perfect their measurement of performance and identify factors that affect performance. This final report explores state experiences in implementing the new system, including problems, successes, advantages and disadvantages. It also reports changes to the new system that were recommended by child support stakeholders.

"Throughout the engagement, Lewin consultants listened to us and delivered superb analyses and thoughtful guidance–not canned solutions."  NONPROFIT HEALTH SYSTEM