DWD: Wisconsin’s Outstanding Performance earns state $15.6 million

Contact:
Rose Lynch, 608-266-6753

State’s Child Support Program ranks as one of the countries top performers

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle and Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman announced today that the Wisconsin Child Support Program earned more than $15.6 million for its outstanding performance during the 2003 federal fiscal year (October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2003). Wisconsin’s performance award was the ninth highest award of the 54 child support programs in the country.

“This award is due to the hard work and dedication of local county child support workers and state staff at DWD’s Bureau of Child Support. Their efforts translate into more federal money for Wisconsin children and families,” stated Governor Doyle. “Wisconsin received more dollars per family with children than any other state.

The federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) awards incentive funding to the nation’s 54 child support programs based on five specific performance standards. Wisconsin’s performance for the five standards exceeded the national average on every measure.

* Child support collection rate of 67.7%, compared to the national average of 58%
* Paternity establishment rate of 97.9%, compared to the national average of 83.8%
* Cost effectiveness (dollars collected versus dollars spent) collecting $5.95 for every dollar spent, compared to a national average of $4.32
* Court order establishment rate of 80.3%, compared to the national average of 72.3%
* Past-due support collection rate of 62%, compared to the national average of 59.8%

Wisconsin’s award was the largest amount per capita. States with significantly greater populations were the only states to receive larger incentive payments. “Our success in collecting child support payments translated to successful families who have greater resources to raise their children,” said Secretary Gassman.

For more information on Wisconsin’s child support program visit http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/bcs/