In the last week, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed legislation to provide $16 billion in additional federal Medicaid matching funds (FMAP) for states for the period January through June 30, 2011. This is about one-third less than originally proposed. Governor Rendell has proposed a plan to address the resulting gap and future budget messages will discuss any impacts on DPW funded programs.

Pennsylvania Assures Children Receive Necessary Child Support

August is Child Support Awareness Month. Child support is a critical source of income to help maintain financial stability for families headed by single parents. When combined with income from work, child support reduces reliance on tax-funded benefits and fosters family economic self sufficiency. DPW oversees the delivery of federal and state child support services through the domestic relations sections of the county courts of common pleas.
 

Pennsylvania Child Support Program Leads the Nation

For the past four years, Pennsylvania has led the nation in child support efforts based upon federal measures used to grade all states programs. Below are some key federal measures with Pennsylvania’s performance for federal fiscal year 2009 compared to the national average. 

For the above measures, Pennsylvania was first in the nation in the percent of child support collected, percent of past due child support collected and overall performance for the child support program.

Since 2005, Pennsylvania has twice won the federal Child Support Program Performance Award. Since 2003, Pennsylvania’s efforts have resulted in the receipt of $158 million in federal performance bonus money.
 

Pennsylvania is Efficient in its Child Support Program

In state fiscal year 2008-09, Pennsylvania collected $1.65 Billion in child support.

Pennsylvania has been efficient in its efforts, collecting $5.98 for every $1 spent on administrative costs, which is $2 above the national average.

The mission of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is to protect and serve Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, to promote, improve and sustain the quality of family life, and to break the cycle of dependency, while managing our resources effectively and promoting respect for employees. The focus of DPW’s Budget is sustainability—preserving services for those who need them, quality and results—ensuring services improve the lives of those who receive them, and accountability— ensuring efficient use of tax dollars. For more information about the DPW budget visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.