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Title IV-D Performance Incentives and Shared Parenting Outcomes: A Policy Analysis

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  • Wolf, Charles J.

Abstract

Title IV-D of the Social Security Act (1975) funds state child support enforcement through federal matching of administrative costs and performance incentives allocated from a capped national pool tied to five metrics. The program has been effective in increasing paternity establishment rates above 90% and generating more than $30 billion in annual collections. However, the structure of the incentive system could create financial pressures affecting custody policy and child support guideline design. The review considers the historical development of Title IV-D, the structure of its performance incentives, data from variations across states, and procedural critiques from legal scholarship. I assess policy options, considering their feasibility and potential impact on shared parenting arrangements. Recalibrating incentives and strengthening proportional support guidelines may better align program objectives with contemporary family structures. Keywords: Title IV-D, child support enforcement, family policy, shared parenting, performance incentives

Suggested Citation

  • Wolf, Charles J., 2026. "Title IV-D Performance Incentives and Shared Parenting Outcomes: A Policy Analysis," SocArXiv exdcq_v1, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:exdcq_v1
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/exdcq_v1
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