Press Release
☷New Biden Administration Rule Removes Burdens to Support Growth of Tribal Child Support Programs
Administration for Children and Families ( By Press Release office)
Feb 11,2024
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Today , the Biden - Harris Administration ' s U . S . Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) announced a new rule that will get rid of a burdensome cost sharing requirement for Tribal child support programs . This rule aligns with President Biden ' s recent executive order on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations and is part of the Biden Administration ' s efforts to better support Tribal governments . The goal is to cut down on unnecessary bureaucracy and make federal funding more accessible , allowing Tribes to grow their economies and provide essential services to their citizens . HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra stated that these changes will make it easier and more affordable for Tribal community - run child support programs to meet the needs of their communities . By reducing red tape and eliminating barriers , the federal government is honoring Tribal sovereignty and strengthening the trust relationship between the government and Tribal Nations . This will not only help Tribal economies thrive but also ensure that everyone has access to vital and innovative services . ACF Acting Assistant Secretary Jeff Hild emphasized that ACF recognizes Tribal sovereignty and is committed to supporting Native American children and families by strengthening the government - to - government relationship with Tribes . The rule acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Tribal governments , as they have fewer revenue options compared to state governments . Many Tribes have expressed that the non - federal share requirement is a burden when operating their own child support programs . Currently , only 61 out of the 574 federally - recognized Tribes in the United States operate Tribal child support programs . By eliminating this cost - sharing requirement , Tribes will be able to run programs that benefit their communities . These programs have already shown success , with Tribal child support programs collecting $51 million in child support payments in FY 2022 . This includes $10 million collected on behalf of another Tribe , state , or country . It is important to note that 53 percent of Native American children in Tribal areas with child support programs come from single - parent families . ACF Office of Child Support Services Commissioner Tanguler Gray expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Tribal communities and their dedicated child support directors and leaders . “We heard their comments loud and clear , and are doing everything we can to remove unnecessary burdens from running their own programs . This rule does just that , and will make it easier for existing and new tribal child support programs to access the funding they need to improve outcomes for children , families , and tribal nations . The purpose of the rule was Trust is always to ensure the survival and well - being of Indian tribes and people . This includes a commitment to providing those services required to protect and enhance tribal lands , resources and self - government , and includes those economic and social programs necessary to raise the standard of living and social well - being of Native Americans . Native Patrice H . Konish “We are focused on our tribal partnerships and how this rule improves equity and reduces systemic barriers to services . ” “The Department of Children and Families will continue to support social and economic development in a way that provides tribal nations with the greatest amount of self - determination possible . ” ## # .
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