Even when support orders were in place, enforcement to the point of an actual collection was by no means ensured. States reported collecting only about one-fourth of the child support due for FY 1992 and prior years. Parents who are not meeting their financial obligations to their children must be required to do so and we must find ways to enable non-custodial parents to participate in raising their children. The child support enforcement program is administered by state and local governments with oversight and financial support given by HHS' Administration for Children and Families. The Working Group on Welfare Reform, Family Support and Independence, appointed by President Clinton in June, is developing strategies to improve child support enforcement as part of its recommendations to reform the welfare system.
Bane is a co-chair of the working group.