Case Initiation Overview
In this Topic
Introduction
- Case initiation is the basis for the process of locating an NCP and establishing a child support order. The integrity of the child support case rests on it.
- The quality of the information gathered during the case initiation process can assist or impede the efforts to locate an NCP and establish a child support order. Accurate and complete data obtained at the intake level reduces the need for other child support staff to interview the customer repeatedly.
- It is important to ensure that the information entered into the state automated system is as complete and accurate as possible. Since most staff will not have the opportunity to interview a party on the case face to face, complete and accurate data entry provides the information they need to complete the necessary tasks associated with the case.
- Staff involved in the intake process will need to be sensitive to the cultural, racial, educational, and economic differences of customers initiating a child support action.
- The child support staff must present a professional demeanor while doing what they can to create an environment that makes CPs feel more comfortable about disclosing information related to issues such as domestic violence.
- Information received from all parties and maintained in case files or elsewhere is confidential. Except as otherwise designated by law, the information may not be shared or used for any purpose other than processing support cases.
- Accurate intake work that pays attention to the integrity of the data entered in the system lays a foundation for successful case processing throughout the life of the case.
Case Initiation Workflow
Case initiation integrates the process of interacting with people involved in the case, particularly the CP, and the mechanics of creating and maintaining case documentation. the following diagram shows the case initiation workflow for TANF and non-TANF cases.
Types of Child Support Services
The Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part, offers two types of child support services, IV-D and non-IV-D.
Title IV-D services
- Title IV-D services are defined by the Code of Federal Regulations, 45 CFR 303.2, and New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.) 10:110-1.3(b) and include location services, establishment of paternity and support, location services, modification of obligations, triennial review of the order, and full child support enforcement services.
Non-IV-D services
Non-IV-D services involve the establishment of paternity and support with monitoring services only or the order may be paid directly between the parties.
Intake Function
The intake function provides an opportunity to ensure that the case is set up with information that is as complete and accurate as possible. The process begins when an individual applies for TANF or completes an application form and requests child support services from a CWA or from the Family Division of the Superior Court. The appropriate fee must be paid where applicable. In addition, cases may be referred to the CWA from other agencies (e.g., DCP&P) seeking child support on behalf of children who are in court-ordered placement, or to the Family Division of the Superior Court from a foreign jurisdiction or Court. The case initiation stage concludes when the case is ready for the next step of the process: location, establishment, enforcement, or case closure. Of course, accurate and complete information is necessary at all stages of case processing.
Interview Process
Most information for cases is gathered through the face-to-face interview process; therefore, interview skills and strategies to collect the necessary information are critical. Because other child support staff handling the case will not have the same opportunity for face-to-face contact with the CP or caretaker relative, the information collected at intake becomes the foundation of the case. Incomplete intake interviews often result in insufficient information for the locate stage of the process, which could result in a failure to establish a support order or a support order being filed against the wrong person.
Eligibility for Federal Funding
The only cases eligible for Federal funding are those classified as IV-D cases. In order to qualify under the Title IV-D CS, the case must be for child support only, for child support and paternity, or for child support combined with alimony/spousal support and/or a health-care provision. The CP or caretaker relative must sign an application for IV-D services or apply for assistance programs, such as TANF, Medicaid, or General Assistance. This module presents the regulations, statutes, and rules that guide the decisions made during the case intake interview.
Note: Apply good interviewing techniques and customer service skills to acquire complete and accurate information on each party to a support case.