Currently 63 tribes operate child support programs, providing services to Native American families consistent with tribal values and cultures. Tribal child support programs locate custodial and noncustodial parents, establish legal fatherhood (paternity), establish child support orders, and enforce orders. View the list of tribal child support programs. The Bureau of Indian Affairs lists federally recognized Indian Tribes eligible for federal funding .
ACF is committed to working with tribal nations and Indigenous communities across the United States to improve the economic and social well-being of children and families. Visit ACF's Tribal and Native American Affairs website to learn more.
Tribal Employment Pathways
The Tribal Employment Pathways initiative can help tribal child support programs plan and implement employment and training programs.
Contact Information for State and Tribal Child Support Agencies
Get contact information for your state, local, or tribal child support office.
Guidance for the Tribal Child Support Program Start-Up Application Process
Guidance to help tribes apply for funding and develop a plan to operate a child support program consistent with their culture and values
Budget Toolbox
An optional tool for tribal child support programs to use in developing their annual budget.
Tribal Program Resources
Resources to help manage your tribal child support program.
Code of Federal Regulations
Program requirements on applying for and receiving funding.
- eCFR: Part 309 : Tribal Child Support Enforcement (IV-D) Program
- eCFR: Part 310 : Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation
- eCFR: Part 75 : Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards
Forms
Use these forms for various reporting requirements.
- Implementing Revised OCSE-75 Form and Instructions -Effective FY 2023
- Form OCSE-75 Tribal Annual Data Report Form and Instructions
- Form OCSE-34 Quarterly Collection Report
- SF-425 Federal Financial Report
- SF-424A Budget Information - Nonconstruction Programs
- SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance
- View all forms
Associations
- National Tribal Child Support Association
NTCSA provides resources to members who serve Native American children through effective child support programs
- National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors
NATSCD helps tribal directors with everyday matters of operating a tribal child support program
Tribal Consultation
Previous Consultations
- November 16, 2023. OCSS conducted a Virtual Tribal Consultation on the NPRM: Parentage Establishment in the Child Support Services Program . See the agenda (PDF), transcript (PDF), and report (PDF) from the event.
- April 6, 2023. Resorts Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. OCSS announced the Tribal Child Support Consultation (TDCL-23-02) to gain input on policies and initiatives that have tribal implications. See the agenda (PDF), transcript (PDF), and the Report (PDF) from the event.
Training
Overview
- Tribal Child Support Program Overview
(Recording)
An overview of the tribal child support program, including the history and requirements for operating a tribal child support program.
Federal Parent Locator System (FPLS)
- TDCL- 18-01: Finding the Right Security Control Assessor
- IM-16-03: Information for Tribal Access to the FPLS
- Webinar recording: FPLS Data and Access Overview for Tribes
We’ve highlighted two specific questions from the answers to questions regarding tribal access to the FPLS :
Question 2. May these fees be paid by the child support grant?
Answer 2: The portal/telecom fee may be paid by the child support grant. The start-up fee and the data set fees have to be paid with tribal funding; however, these fees have been waived.
Question 6. May the tribal child support programs pay for the security assessment using the child support grant funds?
Answer 6: Yes. Security assessment costs that are determined to be reasonable, necessary, and allocable to the tribal child support program may be claimed under the child support grant.
Intergovernmental Forms
Understanding the Child Support Intergovernmental Forms. Recorded training sessions and PowerPoints.
Safeguarding Data
Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Tribal Data.
This webinar highlights the changing world of technology and increase in identity theft, phishing scams, and email spam. Learn about the importance of software patches, training, and anti-virus software to safeguard your data.
- Safeguarding PII and Tribal Data - Recording
- Safeguarding PII and Tribal Data - PowerPoint Slides (PDF)
Streamline Plan Amendment
Streamline Tribal Plan Amendment Process.
This webinar presents the optional streamline tribal plan, including plan pages and required and optional attachments.
- Streamline Tribal Plan Amendment Process: Recording
- Streamline Tribal Plan Amendment Process: PowerPoint Slides (PDF)