Agenda

2024 Conference Agenda

6:00 – 10:00PM
Sunday Get Together

9:00 – 9:15AM
President Welcome & Announcements

Nichole Mahrt, IFSEA Board of Directors President; Assistant Attorney General, Child Support Enforcement Division
Tunisa Jackson, IFSEA Board of Directors First Vice President, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Child Support Services

9:15 – 10:15AM
Session 1: Sovereign Citizen

Speakers:
- Amy Rebideaux, FOC Operations Manager, Muskegon County Family Court, Muskegon, MI
- Jason Walker, Family Division Supervisor Muskegon County Family Court, Muskegon, MI
Description:
- A history of the Sovereign Citizens’ Movement, including how to recognize someone who adheres to the Movement through a review of documents, words, and actions. Suggestions for how to interact and respond to those who identify as sovereign citizens. Real life examples will be used to demonstrate concepts.

10:15 – 10:30AM Break

10:30 – 11:15AM
Session 2: Office of Child Support Services (OCSS Formerly OCSE)

Speakers:
- Geraldine Franco, Program Specialist, Office of Child Support Services
Description:
- Learn about OCSS’ current vision and priorities
  and receive a program overview from the federal level, including a review of
  different divisions, regional offices, and state and tribal partners. Overview
  of the function of OCSS and the critical role local staff have in the success
  and stability of our nation’s families. There will be tips for navigating the
  OCSS webpage and other resources.

11:15 – 12:15PM
Session 3: Legislative, Case Law, IV-D, and EPIC Project Update

Speakers:
- Bryan Tribble, IV-D Administrator, Division of Child Support Services, IFSEA Board of Directors
- Christina Mahoney, Assistant Attorney General, Child Support Enforcement, Division Chief, IFSEA Board of Directors
Description:
- Explore the dynamic world of child support laws
  and regulations with a thorough examination of the latest updates in the
  Illinois IV-D program, case law and legislative updates that are shaping the
  field of child support.
  - Child Support Services is in the process of
    system conversion. Brief update on the Enforcement and Paternity for Illinois
    Children (EPIC), conversion schedule and explanation of the progress of the
    conversion and future implementation.

12:15 – 12:30 PM Board of Directors Nominations and Vote via Slido Web App

12:30 – 1:30PM Lunch

1:30 – 3:00PM
Session 4: Judges’ Panel- Judicial Insights: Navigating Complex Child Support Scenarios

Speakers:
- Moderator:
  - Christina Mahoney, Assistant Attorney General, Child Support Enforcement, Division Chief; IFSEA Board of Directors
- Honorable Judge Stacy Campbell, St. Clair County 20^th Judicial Circuit
- Honorable Judge Daniel Cordis, Peoria County 10^th Judicial Circuit
- Honorable Judge Sarah Duffy, McLean County 11^th Judicial Circuit
- Honorable Judge Karen Eiten, LaSalle County 13^th Judicial Circuit
- Honorable Judge Stephanie Klein, DeKalb County, 23^rd Judicial Circuit
- Honorable Judge Matthew Link, Cook County, 7^th Judicial Circuit
- Honorable Judge Michelle Vescogni, LaSalle County 13^th Judicial Circuit
- Description:
  - Join us for one of IFSEA’s most anticipated sessions, where a distinguished panel of seven judges, each with extensive experience in child support cases, will explore and dissect challenging hypothetical scenarios. These scenarios are crafted from real-world cases, submissions by panel judges, or unique issues designed to provoke thoughtful discussion. The session will provide attendees with insights into how these legal professionals approach and adjudicate complex issues. This session offers valuable perspectives and practical takeaways for navigating the intricacies of child support law.

3:15 – 3:30PM Break

3:30 – 5:00PM
Session 5: Transforming Child Support for Enforcement to Service

Speakers:
- Dr. Kirk Harris, Parent and Community Technology (PACT) Law Center, Founder and CEO
- Meshia Henderson, Vice President Family and Economic Impact, Maximus
Description:
- Child support has long been associated with negative perceptions among both noncustodial and custodial parents – primarily due to a historical focus on collections and enforcement without adequate support for noncustodial parents. Recognizing that barriers to employment and self-sufficiency exist for both parents, child support projects across the nation are realizing that we have an obligation to navigate our customers to services that aid in self-sufficiency. In doing so, we can help revitalize the perception of child support. It takes time to change the views of a community of people, but we are doing it successfully.

9:00 – 9:30AM Annual Member’s Meeting

9:30 – 10:30AM
Session 6: Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) Act: Updates, Connections, and Considerations for Child Support Cases

Speakers:
- Moderator:
  - Christina Mahoney, Assistant Attorney General, Child Support Enforcement, Division Chief; IFSEA Board of Directors
  - Lisa Hennelly, Assistant Attorney General; Violence Prevention Crime Victim Services Division
- Description:
  - This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the Crime Victims Compensation Act, with a special focus on its relevance to child support cases. Participants will learn about the Act’s implementation, eligibility criteria, and the range of compensable expenses. The presentation will also highlight upcoming amendments to the CVC Act and discuss how these changes could impact families involved in child support cases. Additionally, we will explore the vital work being done to connect victims of crime, particularly those involved in child support matters, with the compensation and support they need.

10:30 – 10:45AM Break

10:45 – 12:00PM
Session 7: Child Support Cases with Military Involvement: Strategies and Solutions

Speakers:
- Moderator:
  - Christina Mahoney, Assistant Attorney General, Child Support Enforcement, Division Chief; IFSEA Board of Directors
- William Phillips, Assistant Attorney General, Military and Veterans Rights Bureau
- Grant T. Swinger, staff attorney U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Description:
- This session will explore the unique challenges that arise when handling child support cases involving military personnel. Our expert military presenters will cover critical topics, including the complexities of service of process and jurisdiction, the impact of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) on family law cases, and the nuances of determining income when VA benefits and military pay are involved. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices for contacting military personnel, enforcing child support orders, and understanding military Leave and Earnings Statements. This session is essential for practitioners who work with military families and seek to ensure compliance and fairness in child support proceedings.

12:00PM
Closing Remarks

Speakers:
- Tunisa Jackson, IFSEA Board of Directors First Vice President; Assistant Deputy Administrator, Child Support Services

12:15 – 1:15PM Annual Board Meeting (Board Members Only)