While all IV-D programs share a common framework and mission, each program operates in a different environment and has unique attributes and constraints. The challenge is to deliver child support services in a manner that best serves the local constituency and fulfills program objectives. State and local governments and judicial districts have chosen to team with private sector vendors for local service delivery for a diverse number of reasons:

• Establish New Offices in Under-Served Areas - As caseloads increase and population centers shift, it makes sense to open new offices in under-served geographic areas. This improves public access to services and enhances the IV-D program’s presence within local communities. Rather than hiring or relocating public child support professionals, consider contracting with a private vendor to establish and operate the new office.
• Address Performance Issues - The implementation of federal performance measures facilitates comparison among IV-D offices. If a local office is not meeting state expectations for performance in one or more areas, the state or local governing body can make a decision to outsource. Requests for Proposals and contracts can be structured to stimulate higher performance by incentivizing a contractor based on progress toward federal or state goals.
• Curtail Perceived Expansion of Government - A IV-D agency might need extra hands to manage its workload, meet federal time frames, or accomplish all its objectives. However, despite the need for additional staffing, hiring additional public employees may not be a practical option as it can be perceived as an expansion of government – even if sufficient funding is available. Contracting with a private company is often more palatable to the general public and still forwards the agency’s goals.
• Relieve County Governments from Staffing and Operating Child Support Offices - Elected county officials are charged with providing myriad services for local residents. These services can range from law enforcement to solid waste management to motor vehicle registration, all diverse but very important responsibilities. Operating a program as complex and challenging as child support can strain local resources and compete with other public demands and expectations. Contracting with a reputable and knowledgeable private child support service provider can allow local officials to focus on other areas of responsibility, while simultaneously ensuring the needs of all citizens are met.

There are many more reasons than those listed above that make public-private partnerships for operation of local offices worth exploring. Public agencies can benefit from competition among vendors in terms of both costs and service delivery. Vendors are continually challenged to provide high levels of service at the lowest possible cost. A vendor’s ability to win and sustain business depends upon its reputation and pricing. Additionally, with operations across state lines, vendors can bring best practices and lessons learned from other jurisdictions. Whether it is infusing innovative ideas into struggling offices, or just allowing government more flexibility, private vendors can:

• Team with state and local child support professionals to provide services at the local level
• Mitigate the impact of mass retirements of public employees
• Take advantage of flexibility available to the private sector with respect to adding and reducing personnel and procuring resources and equipment
• Infuse innovative ideas and best practices into a struggling office
• Draw upon expertise of child support personnel across state and county lines
• Provide a cost-effective alternative to government operations

YoungWilliams manages child support projects in a number of counties and states. We have earned a reputation as a trusted partner to government.

Our depth of experience in both judicial and administrative processes facilitates our advocacy of IV-D agency interests, and our continued affiliation with qualified and knowledgeable legal professionals gives YoungWilliams a pedigree no other provider can match.