The Federal Office of Child Support
Enforcement (OCSE) oversees administration of the Child Support
Enforcement program in the 54 States and jurisdictions that
participate in it. The Federal government sets program standards
and policy, evaluates States' performance in conducting their
program, and offers technical assistance and training to the
States. It also conducts audits of State program activities. In its
oversight role, the Federal government is responsible for receiving
Self-Assessment reports submitted by states and, as appropriate,
providing to the States comments, recommendations for additional or
corrective action, and technical assistance that a State may need.
In addition, the submitted reports are reviewed and analyzed by the
Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE)to identify "best
practices" to be shared with other States. The authority to collect
and report information requested on this form is found in section
454(15)(A) of the Social Security Act(see Attachment A). The
Self-Assessment reports are intended to give States the opportunity
to assess whether they are meeting Federal requirements for
providing child support services and providing the best services
possible. In addition, these reports are used by OCSE to monitor
State compliance in areas critical to successful State child
support programs. Child support enforcement can play a pivotal role
in reducing welfare dependency, with savings to the Federal
Government. One aspect of motivating States to take the necessary
action is to pinpoint program areas where improvement is critical
and warrants priority attention.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.