Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services Proposed Rule Changes Presenter: Stephen Harris, Associate General Counsel Presentation to: Board of Human Services Georgia Department of Human Services
Vision, Mission and Core Values Vision Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia. Mission Strengthen Georgia by providing Individuals and Families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults. Core Values Provide access to resources that offer support and empower Georgians and their families. Deliver services professionally and treat all clients with dignity and respect. Manage business operations effectively and efficiently by aligning resources across the agency. Promote accountability, transparency and quality in all services we deliver and programs we administer. Develop our employees at all levels of the agency. 2
Roadmap Adoption of Proposed Rules – – – Comments Received from Public & Additional Rule Amendments – –
Adoption of Proposed Rules HB 568, O.C.G.A. §§ , , – Definitions Change Definition of “Establishment” Review and Modifications – Periodic Review and Modification of Child Support Obligations Initiation of a Review and Modification Requires an Application Income Withholding Orders – Issuance of Orders for Income Withholding Electronic Income Withholding Procedure Receipt of the Electronic Income Withholding Order Constitutes Receipt of the Notice to Payors 4
Additional Rule Amendments Establishment of Support Obligation –Paternity Testing Procedure –Handling of Genetic Testing Materials Fees and Collection Procedures –Cost of Paternity Testing –Waiver of Review and Modification Fee Public Hearing Held on August 12,
Public Comments 1.Paternity testing could delay the establishment process (Rule 4) XNo changes requested by Division of Child Support Services 2.Removal of sworn statement (Rule 4) Clarification of purpose 3.More than two opportunities to comply with testing (Rule 4) Remove requirement of two opportunities before default 4.Sharing & use of genetic testing material (Rule 4) Additional language prohibiting sharing & use for other purposes 5.Anticipate raises to minimum wage (Rule 5) Amount of waiver set by policy & tied to minimum wage 6
Request to Board Final Approval of Rules – – – Approval to Post Notice of Additional Amendments – – –Additional Comment Period and Public Hearing 7
Questions 8