The Nation - News from April 20, 1989

Health and Human Services Secretary Louis W. Sullivan set in motion the second phase of last year’s landmark welfare reform law, publishing rules forcing states to vigorously pursue child support payments. Sullivan said the proposed regulations, published in Wednesday’s Federal Register, would for the first time set specific time limits that states must follow when responding to requests for assistance in establishing and enforcing child support orders. Limits would be established for opening and maintaining case records, locating absent parents, establishing paternity, enforcing support obligations and receiving and distributing support payments.