Department of Economic Security, Child Support Enforcement

The report notes that despite increases in its General Fund appropriation and child support collections, the Division is projecting a revenue shortfall of $1.2 million or more during fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001. The Division needs to examine the program’s funding options including increased funding from the General Fund, or charging fees for services. The report recommends that the Division work with the Child Support Coordinating Council to develop a policy position on the issue.

The report found that customers calling either the Maricopa customer service call center (operated by the Division) or Pima call center (operated by the Pima County Attorney’s Office of the Child Support Enforcement) experience busy signals, long wait times, or frequently abandon their calls. The report indicates that the Division has made substantial progress in addressing past problems in calculating debts.

The report also found the Division needs to produce regular management reports to ensure that the due process safeguards are working when enforcement actions such as administrative liens or levies are used. Finally, the report also provides information regarding the child support enforcement functions and activities the Division has privatized.