Page 2

SUPPORT FROM LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE PERSONS TANF MANUAL CHAPTER 600

LEGAL BASE 7/19 601.1

601.1 SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

A. Legal Base

Legislation enacted by the 1974 session of the General Assembly* provided for the establishment of a statewide support enforcement program with a support enforcement unit to carry the responsibility for initiating and maintaining such program. Amendments to the Social Security Act** effective August 1, 1975, make mandatory, on a national level, a Child Support Enforcement Program and set forth certain procedures relative to the payment and collection of child support and the establishment of paternity. Subsequent amendments to the 1974 legislation expanded the program to include collection of support paid on behalf of caretakers included in the assistance unit and establishment and enforcement of health care coverage. The Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) was established within the Virginia Department of Social Services to administer this program. Regional and district offices are located throughout the state. (See Appendix III.)

B. DCSE Responsibilities

DCSE has the responsibility for:

1. pursuing support from the absent parent(s);

2. establishing paternity;

3. locating the absent parent(s) if whereabouts are unknown;

4. determining ability to support;

5. collecting and distributing support from absent parent(s);

6. pursuing court action to secure support from the absent parent(s);

7. establishing and enforcing medical support obligations;

8. determining noncooperation with DCSE.

C. Local Agency Responsibilities

Local agencies carry the responsibility for:

1. determining the ability to support by the stepparent in the home;

* Code of Virginia, Section 63.2-1901 - 63.2-1948 ** Public Law 93-647

TANF Transmittal 66