Case Initiation Background and Agency Responsibilities
In this Topic
Background
The Case Initiation section introduces the new employee to the process of creating a child support case. The case initiation process has a profound impact on the Child Support Program’s effectiveness in collecting support for families. Missing or erroneous information can result in unnecessary delays and mistakes in subsequent activities or processes associated with child support.
The success of the case initiation process depends on the completion of several tasks, including securing accurate information from the child’s custodian through a productive interview and supporting and assisting the child’s custodian in completing the necessary paperwork. If domestic violence is an issue, it is critical that the appropriate notations be made in the appropriate systems. An accurate case initiation process is in the best interest of the child. This module supports that interest by providing detailed information on the process and skills that the staff uses during the case initiation process.
Agency Responsibilities
Division of Family Development
The DFD is responsible for the coordination and oversight of Title IV-D activities. The DFD administers New Jersey’s welfare program, Work First New Jersey, through the CSSAs. In accordance with the Cooperative Agreement, the DFD and the Judiciary ensure that the functions of the Title IV-D CS Program are performed as federally required. Components of the Judiciary that are involved in the Title IV-D CS Program include the AOC, the Family Division, the Finance Division, and the Probation Division.
County Welfare Agency
The CWA is responsible for the following major tasks related to case initiation:
- Conducting the child support interview for TANF customers
- Accepting the Title IV-D application fee from non-TANF customers
- Please note that Title IV-D application fees should be deposited to the Board of Social Services Administrative account and reported to the state.
- Performing locate (to provide information concerning the physical whereabouts and/or employer of the non-custodial parent for TANF and Non-TANF customers
- Handling cases referred to the agency by the New Jersey DCP&P
- Establishing a new case on the State automated system within 20 days of receiving the application if no prior case is found
Family Division (Superior Court)
The Family Division (Superior Court) is responsible for the following major tasks related to case initiation:
- Conducting the intake interview for non-TANF customers requesting child support from NCPs residing in State as well as in other states
- Establishing a new case on the State automated system within 20 days of receiving the application, if no prior case is found
- Processing cases from directly received out-of-state petitions or from the New Jersey Interstate Central Registry for registration and/or hearings
Vicinage Finance Division
The Vicinage Finance Division is responsible for the following major tasks related to case initiation:
- Collecting payment of the IV-D fee for non-TANF customers who make application through the local Family Division
- Applying the fee to a case upon the establishment of the child support.
Related Information
- Legal Citation 45 CFR 303.2; N.J.A.C. 10:110-1.3(b)
- Legal Citation N.J.A.C.10:110-3.4(a)7