Audit: Clark County ranks near bottom in collecting child support

The child support program in Clark County, Nevada's largest, is lagging far behind in locating deadbeat parents and collecting money for children, according to an audit presented Thursday to lawmakers.

The audit compared Clark County, which accounts for 70 percent of the state's caseloads, with national averages and seven states with comparable caseloads. Auditors found the county "ranked at or near the bottom" on establishing paternity, securing court orders for payment and collecting the support.

The report noted that the county had made substantial increases in collections in recent years. Some $72 million was collected in 2002, compared with $40 million in 1995. However, the numbers didn't factor in dramatic increases in overall population during that period.

The county has not improved the amount collected per case since 1996, the audit found.

Bob Teuton, assistant district attorney in Clark County, told members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee that the audit reflected a program weakness. But he insisted that improvements were being made and that he was implementing several of the audit's recommendations.

"Are we perfect? No. But I suggest we are making strides to improve ourselves," Teuton said, noting that last year the state collected 10 percent more in child support, while experiencing a 6 percent increase in caseloads. He didn't have 2004 statistics for Clark County.

"You've made a quantum leap forward - and have a quantum way to go," Assembly Judiciary Chairman Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks said.

The audit made several recommendations, including adding 26 new full-time employees. Teuton said he could only afford 14 new employees.

The report also recommended that the county try to get more federal money for its program. Teuton said he intended to do that by making statistical changes that will improve the state's ability to meet federal performance measures.

Teuton also cast doubt on the audit's accuracy, noting it was completed in just six months.

Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said she found the tone and the focus of Teuton's presentation "irritating."

"I feel like all I'm hearing is excuses," said Buckley. "I feel this complacency while children are being harmed because they don't have money coming in the door."

Buckley also said Teuton's plan to collect more federal funds by adjusting statistic was misguided.