Relating to the Implementation of the Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance

This executive order designates the Department of Health and Human Services as the U.S. Central Authority for implementing a Hague Convention on international child support recovery, effective when the treaty enters force on January 1, 2017. It authorizes HHS to delegate certain functions to state IV-D child support agencies.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 90181

Impact dates

Jan 1, 2017
Convention enters force for the United States

Key directives

Designate HHS as Central Authority for Hague Convention
Authorize Secretary of HHS to prescribe regulations and execute Central Authority functions
Permit Central Authority to designate state IV-D agencies for Convention application processing

Who is ordered

Secretary of Health and Human Services · Department of Health and Human Services

Timeline

Immediate

HHS designated as Central Authority upon signing

Near term (90d)

Convention enters force January 1, 2017 (24 days after signing)
HHS to establish regulations and operational procedures

Long term

Ongoing international child support recovery operations
Potential expansion of state agency designations under Convention

Risks & tensions

No appropriations guaranteed—implementation subject to funding availability per Section 3(b)
State IV-D agency designation is permissive ('may'), creating potential uneven implementation across states
No enforcement rights created for individuals per Section 3(c), limiting recourse if Central Authority delays