Tribal Child Support Programs

Why? How? Where to Start?

In February 2024, the Federal Government eliminated the non-federal share of program expenditures for tribal child support programs. Child support programs have widespread societal benefits, and lifting of the financial burden aids tribal access to these benefits. From research to application to implementation, this can still be a complicated process. This paper aims to assist all tribal entities in this process through explaining WHY create a program, HOW the program needs to be set up, WHERE to start, and, if needed, WHEN Grays Peak Strategies can be of assistance.

Why?

It is fully covered: In 2024, The Final Rule on Elimination of the Non-federal Share established that the federal share of tribal support program costs is 100%.

Widespread benefits: 

  • Relationship building both with parents and their children and parents with each other, helping facilitate engagement and nourish healthy relationships;

  • Job creation through well directed funding, job training programs, financial planning services, and employment referrals that aid;

  • Economic stability for both people and government through a stable job creation domino effect and better career orientation for individuals;

  • Cost avoidance as child support programs alleviate strain on other benefit programs, addressing the root causes of some societal challenges.

Tribal Child Support Programs are unique: Tribal cultures and values are carefully incorporated into tribal programs, such as the allowance of non-cash payments for non-custodial parents.

Sixty-three tribes and tribal organizations have already established child support programs:



How?

Where to Start?

Understand the benefits of Tribal Child Support Programs: Using this document as a starting point, learn the benefits of developing a Child Support Program for your tribe. Connect with other Tribes to learn more about the process and the benefits.  

Start with research and analysis: A vital aspect of application preparation, along with setting a point person to connect with the local Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) regional office. During this process, identify what aspects of child support services are already in place and what laws, regulations, and procedures must be developed to meet the required regulatory elements within the start-up period.

Develop an application packet: Including a tribal introduction, program development plan, and financial forms for a proposed budget, to be submitted to OCSS.

Successfully establish your program during the course of the 2-year start-up period: Working within the $500,000 budget, hire and/or train staff, adopt policies and procedures, and revise or adopt tribal code while completing federal documentation, including progress reports and budget proposals.

Become a Comprehensive Program: Self-sustaining once all the tools are in place and creating an important impact for your tribe and its members.

How can GPS help?

If you need support at any stage of the Tribal Child Support Program, Grays Peak Strategies is here to help: Our staff has a depth of experience in child support programs, working with tribal governments, and handling every stage of program development. From research and analysis, to application and grant writing, to program establishment and employee training, to community engagement, we are there for you any and every step of the way. 

Our experience includes: 

  • Blackfeet Nation: Aided the Iiksook’ksooksik project which earned an Office of Child Support Enforcement grant with the goal of increasing financial literacy for young Blackfeet.

  • Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians: Worked on 3 distinct projects, including Gaawiin Geyaabi which worked to increase the safety of domestic violence victims and survivors currently receiving child support services; Good Life Grant Project on an OCSS Demonstration grant on increasing economic mobility and responsible parenting for native youth; and an in depth Business Process Analysis of all aspects of their child support program.

  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation: Assisted the development and submission of a waiver which aims to increase reliable child support and financial self-sufficiency by empowering individuals through education, job training, personal development, and cultural connectedness. GPS also supported the Muscogee Creek Nation with project management and project design for holistic and culturally relevant approaches to address barriers to child support for NCPs and their families.