Welcome to Ask the Expert, a recurring feature in the CSLN newsletter where readers gain valuable insights from one of the nation’s most respected child support professionals, Sharon Santilli, Esq. As an Executive Consultant with Stellarware, Sharon draws upon her extensive experience as a former Rhode Island IV-D Director and CSLN Project Administrator to answer pressing questions from the child support community.

This ongoing series first debuted in the CSLN 2023 Fall Wrap-Up Newsletter and continues to serve as a resource for exploring the complexities of child support enforcement, sharing best practices, and uncovering the benefits of CSLN’s innovative services.

Sharon offers her perspective on key CSLN topics in this edition, including anecdotes on its origins, how states can join, and why insurers prefer reporting to CSLN.

1.      How and why was CSLN created?

Sharon: In 1999, the Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services launched the Child Support Lien Network (CSLN) in response to a unique state law on mandatory insurance reporting. Funded by a federal Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) grant, the initial goal was to establish an efficient, streamlined automated system to accommodate mandatory reporting for Rhode Island. Of course, the CSLN process was expanded, enhanced, and offered to all states via an interstate agreement, with Rhode Island acting as the host state. The approach included extracting data from the files of delinquent child support obligors, compiling it into an accessible database, and aligning it with a national insurance database. Close collaboration with its contractor, Stellarware, and the insurance sector was crucial in bringing CSLN to fruition. Rhode Island and Stellarware focused on making the system effective and efficient without imposing additional burdens on the insurance industry. The main goal of CSLN is to improve support collections by intercepting insurance claim payments before they reach claimants who owe overdue child support. Placing a lien at the point of claim ensures that the funds are secured for families and children. Previously, these payments were hidden assets unknown and therefore unavailable to families and children. Thus, CSLN serves as an innovative tool that significantly enhances the child support collection process and ensures compliance with obligations.

2.      How can a state join CSLN?

Sharon: CSLN, a state consortium, is anchored by Rhode Island as the host state. When a state collaborates with Rhode Island through an Interstate Agreement, it acknowledges Rhode Island's unique role as the host state and commits to certain responsibilities outlined in the agreement. Rhode Island has engaged Stellarware Corporation to manage operations and various crucial aspects, including the technology, website development & maintenance, data matching, quality assurance, electronic legal document generation, and other services the participating state chooses. As the host state, Rhode Island ensures that these services comply with the terms set forth in the CSLN Interstate Agreement. They also oversee the vendor, Stellarware Corporation, in line with the contractual stipulations between Rhode Island and the vendor. This structured approach guarantees smooth operations within the CSLN framework.

3.     Why do insurance companies prefer to report to CSLN?

Sharon: Through CSLN's strong partnership with the insurance industry, we have gained valuable insights into insurers' challenges stemming from differing state mandates. These varying mandates can create implementation and operational hurdles as they vary from one state to another. Insurers typically prefer states adopting the CSLN method when developing new laws and procedures regarding insurance claim interception because it is uniform, streamlined, automated, and the forms are familiar and electronically generated. Moreover, our dedicated staff is responsive to their inquiries. Over the past 25 years, CSLN has built a solid relationship with the insurance sector. This partnership is based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to providing crucial child support to families. It underscores the power of collaboration in achieving common goals.

Do you have a question for Sharon? We’d love to hear from you! Email your questions to contact@childsupportliens.com, and your inquiry may be featured in a future edition of Ask the Expert. Stay tuned for continued insights and practical tips from Sharon in upcoming newsletters.

CSLN continues to drive significant child support collections, empowering state programs to deliver critical financial support to families. In this issue, we’re spotlighting a standout success from Michigan that demonstrates the effectiveness of insurance intercepts through the consortium.

In October 2024, the Michigan Office of Child Support proudly reported a remarkable $54,826.87 child support collection. This successful intercept resolved four separate cases involving four different custodial parents and even fully paid off the non-custodial parent’s arrearage. The impact of such a substantial recovery cannot be overstated, providing immediate relief and stability to the families involved.

Michigan’s success story is a testament to the State’s commitment to leveraging CSLN’s comprehensive support. After receiving an insurance match in December 2023, the dedicated Michigan team used CSLN’s streamlined system to generate and electronically issue a Notice of Lien and Levy to the insurance company. While the timeline for collections can vary, this case proves the power of persistence and the importance of proactive engagement.

By partnering with CSLN, Michigan has collected over $40 million in child support through September 2024. These results highlight how state agencies can maximize collections by informing insurers of outstanding child support obligations. Each success story reminds us why we do this work — to stabilize children and families financially.

We are incredibly proud to work alongside the dedicated professionals at the Michigan Office of Child Support. Their unwavering commitment to supporting families through innovative solutions is inspiring, and we celebrate this latest achievement with them.

Michigan’s success is just one example of the impactful collections made possible through CSLN’s collaborative efforts. Across the consortium, states have achieved substantial recoveries by utilizing CSLN’s streamlined processes and robust support. From life insurance intercepts to lump sum payments, CSLN’s solutions continue to drive results that provide meaningful financial relief to families. To further illustrate these successes, we invite you to explore a selection of notable collections from earlier this year, showcased in the accompanying graphic. Each figure represents not just a number, but a step toward stability and well-being for the children and families we serve.

CSLN is excited to announce its participation in several major child support conferences throughout 2025. These events provide invaluable opportunities for CSLN to engage with industry leaders, share insights on successful collection strategies, and connect with professionals dedicated to supporting children and families.

This year, CSLN will attend informative workshops and be available on the exhibit hall floor, welcoming attendees interested in learning how CSLN’s services can enhance their state agency’s collection efforts. CSLN is committed to helping agencies maximize their collections, from cutting-edge lien solutions to effective insurance intercepts.