Child Support Enforcement Program; Incentive Payments, Audit Penalties

This final rule implements the statutory requirement of the Social Security Act that requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the new performance-based incentive system. It also implements a performance-based penalty system and establishes standards for certain types of audits. Finally, this rule includes a requirement that States establish an administrative review process. The incentive system will be used to reward States for their performance in running a Child Support Enforcement (IV-D) Program. The penalty system will be used to penalize States that fail to perform at acceptable levels or fail to submit complete and reliable data.