Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:9-6-80 “State child support allocations” is being rescinded and replaced with a new rule having the same number. The new rule reflects a change in the ODJFS methodology used for the allocation of general revenue funds appropriated by the state.

Many agencies are aware of the nearly four years of county discussion concerning this rule, and the involvement of the state Office of Child Support in facilitating the conversation for the last two years¹. The current methodology in the rule has been widely criticized by counties because it does not accurately measure Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) work, since it is based on out-of-wedlock birth statistics on which a CSEA can have no impact.

A consensus position emerged during development of a new methodology that the allocation of the funds should be based on measurable CSEA activities.  The adjusted methodology is contained in paragraph (D) of the rule.  It was also agreed that implementation should be phased in to allow CSEAs time to absorb the change in funding that will follow any rule adjustment.  The phase-in is contained in paragraph (E) of the rule.

For questions regarding funding and allowable activities please contact the Office of Child Support. For questions regarding County Finance and Information System (CFIS) reporting contact your ODJFS Fiscal Supervisor or the Bureau of County Finance and Technical Assistance at (614) 752-9194.

Instructions:

 ¹ The counties chosen by the OCDA General Membership to participate in the discussion facilitated by OCS were Allen, Ashland, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Fairfield, Franklin, Geauga, Hancock, Licking, Summit, Warren, and Wood.