The Department of Health and Welfare posted a notice from the federal government that Idaho has 60 days from today to get its child support law into compliance with federal amendments to avoid losing access to federal child support collection tools and at least $16 million in federal funds.
Vicki Turetsky, Commissioner of the Office of Child Support Enforcement, wrote in the letter to Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter that the federal government will cut off the funding, as well as access to funding and federal enforcement authorities, starting July 1, 2015.
“If Idaho’s… state plan is found to be out of compliance, you may request reconsideration of the decision pursuant to regulations at 45 CFR 301.14,” Turestsky wrote. “Federal funding, howeer, will be suspended and may not be stayed pending reconsideration.”
The state may receive those withheld funds in a lump payment if the decision is overturned, Turetsky said.
Turetsky noted the that Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding is also at risk, as those payments are tied to the state’s child support compliance.
“I urge your state to take the necessary steps to enact UIFSA 2008 promptly in order to come into compliance with federal law,” Turetsky said. “We continue to offer technical assistance to help you with this important endeavor. The failure of just one state to pass UIFSA 2008 will have a negative impact on every state (child support) program in the country and the families they serve.”
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