AKWESASNE — (Enníska/February 7, 2024) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) takes immense pride in congratulating April Lauzon on being elected as the President of the National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors (NATCSD). Lauzon’s well-deserved appointment was announced by the NATCSD on January 22, 2024.
“I am humbled and honored to have been elected by my peers in the Native American child support community to represent the needs of the organization and advocate for tribal children and families across Indian country,” said Lauzon, who serves as the IV-D Program Manager for the SRMT Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU). She added, “I am fortunate to work with a great group of community-minded individuals at SRMT and it is with their support and hard work I am possible to expand our reach and provide visibility to our community and it’s unique landscape.”
The NATCSD was established in 2006 as an association with the purpose of assisting directors of tribal child support programs with the everyday problems and questions that arise from operating a tribal child support program so that they may do a better job in providing the needed services to tribal children and their families. The NATCSD serves to work together to educate and communicate with federal and other agencies or entities regarding tribal child support programs. It is an excellent network resource for all Tribal Child Support Directors.
Lauzon has been working with the CSEU for the last three years and during this time she has focused on increasing engagement with participants and streamlining processes. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and experience in both the non-profit and private sector she brings a unique look at Child Support. As the IV-D Program Manager for SRMT, she leads her team in their mission to improve the well-being of children and families by promoting the emotional and financial responsibility between parents and children.
Lauzon has welcomed the opportunity to bring attention to SRMT on a National level and share our unique experiences and community. She has presented at the National Tribal Child Support Association Training Conference and served as a workshop moderator for the Region 1 & 2 State and Tribal Directors meeting. She looks forward to increasing program recognition within the community and implementing change on a national level.
SRMT Child Support Enforcement Unit became the first comprehensive Tribal IV-D program in New York State and all of Region II in April 2014. The SRMT Child Support Enforcement Unit can assist with location of persons responsible for child support, establishment of paternity, establishment of court orders for support, enforcement of court orders and modification of child support orders. Services are available to all parents or children who are eligible for tribal membership regardless of residency. SRMT Child Support Enforcement Unit cannot provide legal advice nor assist with custody or divorce action.
What makes the SRMT Child Support Enforcement Unit different?
- SRMT does not charge interest on arrears accrued prior to case transfer are still owed.
- SRMT does not charge an annual receipt and disbursement fee.
- SRMT case managers have smaller caseloads than state case managers.
- SRMT reviews child support cases every two years and not every three years as the states.
- SRMT can offer families the option of child support including non-cash payments or in-kind support (if agreed upon by both parties.)
SRMT encourages parents to participate in mediation in effort to eliminate court appearances when appropriate.
“Congratulations and deepest gratitude, to April Lauzon on the much-deserved national recognition received from the NATCSD” stated Tribal Council.
