WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council’s Health, Education, and Human Services Committee held a work session Nov. 7 to review and discuss Legislation No. 0219-23, which proposes amendments to the Navajo Nation Child Support Guidelines and Child Support Schedule.
The legislation proposes several changes to the guidelines and support schedule including increasing the basic child support obligation amounts by 10% The current obligation amounts have not been updated since 1996.
Legislation sponsor Council Delegate Cherilyn Yazzie (Dilkon, Greasewood Springs, Indian Wells, Teesto, Whitecone) had previously presented the legislation before the Law and Order Committee Sept. 25, where it received a “do pass” recommendation and forwarded to the HEHSC.
During a HEHSC regular meeting held Oct. 9, Delegate George Tolth (Littlewater, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake, Baca/Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Ojo Encino, Counselor) motioned to table the legislation and called for a work session within 30 days.
HEHSC Chair Council Delegate Vince James (Jeddito, Cornfields, Ganado, Kin Dah Lichíí, Steamboat) said that several documents concerning the Child Development Support Office will be discussed in the next work session.
“These documents include Navajo Nation Titles 17 and 9, Child Support Guidelines, and Child Support Schedule forms,” James said.
The work session will focus on determining the alignment of the Child Support Act and to determine which documents take precedence over others.
"In addition, the session will explore the impact of the Navajo Nation minimum wage and compare it to national guidelines,” James said. “The goal is to streamline services for better understanding, fostering in-depth discussion, and facilitating progress."
Council Delegate Helena Nez Begay (Bodaway/Gap, Coppermine, K'ai'Bii'To, LeChee, Tonalea/Red Lake) asserted that absentee parents must be held accountable. Drawing on personal experience, Begay emphasized the importance of both present and absent parents educating themselves about the services that are available to them, as well as staying updated with constantly evolving guidelines and policies.
"The Health, Education, and Social Services Committee has recognized the need for amendments to the policy since its adoption," Judy Platero, the Program Manager of the Department of Child Support Services said. "We plan to provide an orientation to foster understanding of these changes."
The Health, Education, and Human Services Committee is working with the Department of Child Support Services to schedule the next work session. Once confirmed, the work session dates will be posted to the Navajo Nation Council website at www.navajonationcouncil.org.
To view the proposed legislation and amendments, visit http://dibb.nnols.org/publicreporting.aspx.
