"The more convenient we make it for employers, the faster we can direct court-ordered payments to the kids who need support," said Kevin Concannon, director of the Iowa Department of Human Services. The DHS includes the child support unit.
CSRU administrator Jeanne Nesbit said that using the Internet to conduct child support business is voluntary for employers, but she expects it will be popular.
"We realize every business is different. Some employers will appreciate the control and economy of going online to make payments or report their newly hired employees, others will use it because it's faster than mailing payments or faxing reports and will save money on postage and paper costs," she said.
Wage withholding is already the most important source of child support dollars, accounting for more than 70 percent of the $300-plus million collected every year.
"We developed this site to give employers an option for communicating with us, and for fulfilling their child support requirements," she said.
Brochures and other aids were mailed to businesses to help get them started online.
