Louisiana Child Support Enforcement Services Program Redesign
When the State of Louisiana wanted a comprehensive statewide system for executing child support enforcement activities, they faced the challenge of unifying the unique approaches of each parish in a way that was fair, equitable, and not restrictive to local needs. So they called CSF, which used its Life of the Case ™ review and analysis model to analyze the State’s Child Support Enforcement (CSE) operations, policies, practices, training, and automation (LACSES) support. Visiting a total of 19 State CSE, Regional CSE, and parish District Attorney offices, CSF interviewing staff to identify issues and validate case processing and service delivery practices. The assessment phase of the project has been completed and the findings will serve to inform program design and modeling workshops, the outcomes of which will provide the basis for recommendations for program improvements and implementation strategies. CSF conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Louisiana’s child support program. The approach incorporated CSF’s 7-step program evaluation and improvement methodology and Life of the Case ™ review and analysis model. This included gathering and analyzing documentation concerning policies and procedures, program performance, and program budgets and funding. Project staff visited a total of 19 state regions and district attorney offices, interviewing staff to identify issues and validate case processing and service delivery practices. The assessment phase of the project provided findings that served to inform program design and modeling workshops, the outcomes of which have provided the basis for recommendations for program improvements and implementation strategies. Complex organization and political environment in which data collection and analysis was conducted required that CSF instill trust in many stakeholders. CSF staffing assignments ensured that the program knowledge and sensitivity to political issues were in place to produce high quality recommendations.
