Child support activists get federal attention for complaints against state

A group dedicated to helping single parents with child support problems has aroused federal attention for its complaints about the state of Nevada.

Under new federal and state rules, the state of Nevada intercepts Internal Revenue Service checks from deadbeat dads and makes sure the custodial parent gets a share of the cash. Each individual county formerly collected and distributed the checks.

But Vicky Snyder of the Association for Children for Enforcement of Support, Inc., said the state is holding on to the money for upwards of six months. She said the issue was raised during a NOMADS steering committee meeting by county officials. They complained the state system captures the IRS checks but doesn't get the money out the door to those entitled to it.

She quoted Washoe County officials as saying as a result Washoe County is a month behind in getting those IRS checks out to single parents who need the money. Clark County is two months behind.

Snyder said that's not fair to either parent because some of the money should go back to the non-custodial parent as well. And she said while the check is in limbo, the parent in arrears is still being forced to pay interest on what's owed even though the IRS check would reduce or pay off the debt.

"They're just holding on to it," she said. "That's not fair to either parent."

State officials have explained in the past that part of their problem is that the new intercept system captured more money than they have budget authority to release. They have also said the problem will get better as more and more problems in the computer system are worked out.

NOMADS is the unified computer system developed to handle welfare and child services programs in Nevada, including child support enforcement. So far it has cost more than $125 million.

Snyder sent her complaints to the U.S. Justice Department, saying something ought to be done to make the state fix the problem so that those entitled to the money get it much quicker than in six months or more.

The letter she received this week, signed by Donald Foster of the Justice Department Fraud Section, says the complaint has been forwarded to the Health and Human Services Department Inspector General's Office for investigation.

She admitted that doesn't say there is any legal violation by the state or promise any federal action but she said she is pleased the federal government will look into the state of Nevada's handling of those IRS checks.