Overview
Title
Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Tribal Child Support Direct Funding Request: 45 CFR 309 (Office of Management and Budget #0970-0218)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to change some rules to help tribes provide job training for parents who don’t live with their kids. They are asking people to share their thoughts on this plan until January 30, 2025.
Summary AI
The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review proposed changes to the Tribal Child Support Direct Funding Request. These changes are due to a new rule that allows tribes to offer employment and training services to noncustodial parents under the child support program. Tribes choosing to participate must change their current plans, which involves submitting updated information to OCSS. Public comments on these revisions can be submitted until January 30, 2025.
Abstract
The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) is requesting a review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of revisions to the Tribal Child Support Direct Funding Request: (OMB #0970-0218). These revisions are necessary to align this collection with updates resulting from a final rule: Employment and Training Services for Noncustodial Parents in the Child Support Program, which will require tribes to amend tribal plans if they elect to participate in employment and training services for non-custodial parents in the child support program.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document titled "Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Tribal Child Support Direct Funding Request" details a significant request by the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) for public comments on revisions to the Tribal Child Support Direct Funding Request. These revisions aim to accommodate a new rule that allows tribes to offer employment and training services to noncustodial parents involved in child support programs. This initiative seeks to support noncustodial parents in securing employment, potentially improving their ability to meet child support obligations. Key details are outlined for the public to submit feedback by January 30, 2025.
General Summary
The OCSS is updating the Tribal Child Support Direct Funding to reflect a new rule that provides tribes the choice to participate in employment and training services for noncustodial parents. This requires tribes electing to participate to modify their current child support plans and report these changes to OCSS. The revisions are part of an update to align with the Paperwork Reduction Act requirements. Comments from the public are invited, which need to be submitted within a specified timeframe to ensure consideration.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One notable concern is the lack of detail on how federal funds for these employment and training services will be allocated and monitored. Without explicit guidelines or accountability measures, there could be potential for inefficient use of funds. Additionally, the document does not address how the effectiveness of these services will be evaluated. This absence could pose challenges in assessing the impact and success of the program, leading to concerns over accountability.
The criteria or standards for tribes to receive approval for plan amendments remain unspecified. This omission may create ambiguity about what qualifies a tribe for participation, possibly causing delays or inconsistencies in implementation. Furthermore, the complex language used in describing the rule might be difficult for the general public or stakeholders unfamiliar with governmental processes to fully understand.
While updates to burden estimates are mentioned, the document lacks transparency regarding the basis for these estimates. Understanding the reasoning behind these estimates is essential for public and stakeholder trust.
Impact on the Public Broadly
For the general public, particularly noncustodial parents, this initiative could offer new opportunities for employment and skills development. Effective implementation could enhance the financial capacity of noncustodial parents to meet child support obligations, potentially leading to improved outcomes for children.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, such as tribal agencies, may face both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, tribes that choose to participate can access federal financial participation to bolster their employment services, potentially leading to better support for community members. However, without clear guidelines and standards, tribal agencies might encounter challenges in effectively executing and integrating these services within existing child support frameworks.
In conclusion, while the revisions offer promising support services for noncustodial parents, the document could benefit from clearer guidelines and evaluation metrics to maximize success and accountability in its implementation.
Issues
• The document outlines changes related to Employment and Training Services for Noncustodial Parents, but does not provide a detailed explanation of how funds will be allocated or monitored to prevent potential wasteful spending.
• There is no specific mention of any measures or criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the employment and training services funded by federal financial participation (FFP), which could raise concerns about accountability.
• The document references amendments to tribal plans but does not specify the criteria or standards for approval, potentially leading to ambiguity in implementation.
• The language regarding the rule permitting tribes to use FFP is somewhat complex and may not be easily understood by individuals unfamiliar with governmental or legal terminology.
• The document briefly mentions an update to burden estimates for amendments under the Paperwork Reduction Act but does not explain the basis for these estimates, potentially lacking transparency.
• There is no discussion on how the proposed changes align with current tribal child support programs or existing employment initiatives, which might concern stakeholders about integration efforts.