National Child Support Engagement Association

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of former Executive Director, Ann Marie Ruskin. Ann Marie’s journey with NCSEA began in September 2010, leading to a career filled with professional satisfaction, cherished friendships, and a deep appreciation for the child support community. She dedicated herself to NCSEA, directing professional development programs and introducing initiatives like NCSEA U and the Leadership Symposium. Her passion for policy and government relations helped promote legislation to improve the IV-D program, positively impacting families. Her tenure was also marked by other significant contributions, including the establishment of the Corporate Partner program and the implementation of free webinars for members. After a brief hiatus, Ann Marie returned to NCSEA as Executive Director in 2018, leading with passion and commitment. She led the organization with dedication, breaking attendance records, achieving strong financial performance, and navigating the challenges of the pandemic. Her colleagues remember her as a gracious and empowering leader, always ready with a kind word and a warm hug. Ann Marie's ability to inspire and support those around her was unparalleled, and her impact on the child support community was profound. As such, Ann Marie was awarded an honorary lifetime membership by the NCSEA Board of Directors in 2023. Her contributions to the child support community and her commitment to helping children and families will be remembered fondly. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched and the positive changes she championed. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with her. Thank you, Ann Marie, for your incredible service and dedication to families and children. The NCSEA family’s thoughts are with Anne Marie and her cherished family. NCSEA will share information regarding arrangements when they are made available.

Serving our families who serve our nation. On this On Location, we meet with Dr. Sameon West to enlighten us on the intricacies of navigating military cases. Listen here: bit.ly/41wufVA All NCSEA On Locations are available for free to everyone! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audacy, and other podcast platforms. #podcast #militaryfamilies

End the year strong and start 2025 with renewed energy and focus. Join our last Web Talk of 2024 next Thursday (December 19) to learn practical strategies for bouncing back from burnout! Discover self-care tips, wellness prioritization, and resilience-building techniques. Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/dATz-J7U All NCSEA Web Talks are free for NCSEA members. #revitalize #recharge #bounceback

Hear from some recent WICSEC Conference award winners and help us celebrate their achievements on this week's On Location episode. Each recipient shares their thoughts and best practices, and how they help make a positive impact the child support community: bit.ly/3OO1hsP All NCSEA On Locations are available for free to everyone! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audacy, and other podcast platforms. #bestpractices #podcast

The National Child Support Engagement Association (NCSEA) urges the Senate to quickly pass the overwhelmingly bipartisan Protecting America's Children by Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 9076). The opportunity to approve this bipartisan legislation to assist state, local, and tribal agencies in collecting child support is extremely important and time-sensitive. 26 governors signed a letter supporting the bill. Additionally, NCSEA is joined by the National Council of Child Support Directors, the National Tribal Child Support Association, and the National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors in supporting this important legislation. The child support provisions are supported by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Association of Counties, the American Public Human Services Association and the National Association of County Human Services Administrators. For additional information, see our special bulletin: https://lnkd.in/eg-exkyf.

A few more details about H.R. 9076, the Protecting America's Children by Strengthening Families Act. The act contains language to resolve a long-standing discrepancy in interpretation under the Internal Revenue Code of the use and definition of contractors who assist public agencies in collecting past-due support through the offset of federal income tax refunds and the confidential exchange of federal tax information (FTI) for child support purposes. If passed, this bill would ensure private contractors can continue assisting counties, states and tribes in collecting current and past due child support and strengthens the ability of tribes to support families in the program. It is important to highlight that contractors adhere to the same extensive safeguards outlined in IRS Publication 1075 to maintain the strict confidentiality of the information and have never been found out of compliance. Additionally, this bill will also assist tribes by providing them direct access to FTI to offset federal tax refunds from parents owing support to their children as well as obtaining other vital information to establish and enforce child support orders. For additional information, see our special bulletin: https://lnkd.in/eg-exkyf.

Curious to know what a child support participant goes through after being released from incarceration? This NCSEA On Location looks at how recent workshop attendees experienced a prisoner reentry simulation what child support professionals can do to better support reintegration. bit.ly/3CXGzEj All NCSEA On Locations are available for free to everyone! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audacy, and other podcast platforms.

Listen in on the amazing work that Tennessee has accomplished in just a few short years with their child support-operated Reentry Program. This program addresses all the challenges justice-involved parents face, and the solutions offered to help them in more ways than just child support. Learn more about it here: https://bit.ly/3OntI0D All NCSEA On Locations are available for free to everyone! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audacy, and other podcast platforms. #reentryprogram #tennessee #podcasts

Before recessing in August, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bill by a vote of 405-10. The legislation would ensure private contractors can continue assisting counties, states and tribes in collecting current and past due support and strengthens the ability of tribes to support families in the program. The child support community and national associations of state and local elected officials and professionals urge you to swiftly enact this bipartisan, cost-neutral measure, which also would invest in child welfare programs under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. To read the full bulletin: https://lnkd.in/gm3f9jzn

Everyone who works in child support wants to provide excellent service to military families. Our next Web Talk digs into the details that will help you do just that. Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/eVYWNqS5 All NCSEA Web Talks are free for NCSEA members.