Gathering Data to Boost Safety in Child Support Programs
Published Date: 5/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is gathering info to make child support programs safer for domestic violence survivors. They’ll talk to survivors, advocates, and child support workers to find out what works and what doesn’t. This effort affects 12 states and one tribal area, with public comments open until June 3, 2026, and aims to improve safety without extra costs to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Safer child‑support access for survivors
You may benefit if you are a domestic violence (DV) survivor: the SAVES demonstration aims to increase safe access to child support, parenting time, and paternity‑establishment services for DV survivors in 12 states and one tribal jurisdiction. The project was awarded in September 2022 and is entering year four, and the SAVES Center is using research to identify promising safety practices.
One‑time survivor interviews and surveys
If you are a DV survivor who is a parent and either engaged with child support or eligible but not engaged, you could be asked to complete one one‑time data collection in year 4. The proposal lists 100 survivors for qualitative interviews (plus screeners) and 2,000 survivors for the quantitative survey (plus screeners); individual burdens range from 0.083 hours (screener) to 1 hour (interview).
Advocates surveyed on survivor safety
DV advocates who assist survivors with child support may be asked to complete a one‑time online survey in year 4; the proposed instrument lists 1,200 advocate respondents with an average burden of 0.33 hours per response. Responses will inform how advocates assess and mitigate safety risks for survivors.
Child‑support staff focus groups and interviews
Child support staff at the 13 demonstration sites may be invited to one‑time focus groups (65 staff listed) averaging 1.5 hours each, and 65 client interviews with the same average timing; staff participation is intended to assess implementation of safety‑focused interventions. Respondents will only complete one instrument in year 4.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09383 — Restoring Flexibility To Support Head Start Program Access
The government wants to give Head Start programs more freedom by removing some strict rules about staff wages and benefits. This change aims to save over $2 billion and help programs serve more kids better. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 11, 2026!
2026-06632 — Work Participation Rate Calculation Changes: Recalibration of the Caseload Reduction Credit and Prohibition of Small Checks in Work Participation Rate Calculation
The government is updating how it measures work participation for families getting help through TANF. They’re changing the base year for counting caseload drops from 2005 to 2015 and won’t count tiny monthly payments under $35 in work rate calculations. These changes, required by a 2023 law, affect states and could impact funding starting soon, so everyone should pay attention and share their thoughts by May 6, 2026.
2026-09749 — Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Consumer Education Website and Reports of Serious Injuries and Death
The government is asking to keep the Child Care Consumer Education website and serious injury/death reporting rules for three more years, with no changes to how states and providers report. This affects all states, DC, and territories that get child care funds, helping families stay informed and safe. Comments are open until June 15, 2026, and the paperwork burden has been slightly lowered.
2026-09623 — Proposed Information Collection Activity; Guidance for Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, ACF-123
Tribal groups running Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs will see clearer, simpler instructions for submitting their plans. These updates cut the time it takes to respond by about a third, making the process faster and easier. Comments on these changes are open until July 13, 2026, and the guidance extension lasts three more years with no extra costs.
2026-09620 — Proposed Information Collection Activity; Community Services Block Grant Disaster Supplemental Annual Report (New Collection)
The government wants to start collecting a new annual report about how disaster relief money from Hurricanes Fiona and Ian is being used to help low-income families recover. This affects states like Florida, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico, plus any future disaster funding. They’re asking for public feedback by July 13, 2026, to make sure the report works well without causing extra hassle or costs.
2026-08989 — Proposed Information Collection Activity; Evaluation of the Next Generation Child Support Employment Services Demonstration-New Information Collection Request
The government is launching a 5-year project called NextGen to help noncustodial parents get better jobs and pay child support more consistently. Ten child support agencies across the U.S. will try out new programs, and researchers will study how well these efforts work. If you’re involved with these agencies or interested in child support, now’s the time to share your thoughts before July 6, 2026!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08583 — Notice of Public Meeting of the Colorado Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
The Colorado Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding a public Zoom meeting on May 11, 2026, to review legal feedback on their report about antisemitism at Auraria campus in Denver. Students, staff, and community members interested in civil rights can join, comment, or send written feedback within 30 days. This meeting helps shape fair and safe campus policies without any cost to join online.
Next: 2026-08585 — Bulk Manufacturer of Controlled Substances Application: Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Patheon Pharmaceuticals wants to make a big batch of a controlled drug called Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) to help create FDA-approved medicines. People and companies involved with controlled substances can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by July 6, 2026. This move could speed up medicine production but also means careful government checks and rules.