Sankey said these trainings are one of the reasons why Pennsylvania excels on the federal performance measures related to Title IV Section D of the Social Security Act, which was created in 1975 to establish uniform procedures and rules for child support enforcement nationally and is overseen by the U.S. Office of Child Support Services.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy offering training that ensures a standardized, consistent approach for the equitable application of the child support guidelines and enforcement remedies across the state, PACSETI training is considered essential to Pennsylvania’s consistent ranking as one of the best child support programs nationally,\u201d Sankey said.<\/p>\n
In 2025, child support professionals served more than 250,000 families in Pennsylvania, disbursing nearly $1.1 billion to those families. They collected more than 82% of the current support due, which is the highest percentage in the country and surpasses the national average of 65%.<\/p>\n
Unique long-term partnership<\/p>\n
Alex Cain, director of policy and program development for BCSE, said Pennsylvania is unique because of the more than two-decade partnership between JASI, BCSE and DRAP.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know many other states that have had such a long-lasting, stable partnership with a statewide training provider. That stability is very important because it helps us plan long term for different training needs,\u201d Cain said.<\/p>\n
As an example, he cited an issue arising from high turnover at top levels of child support offices across the state because of an increase in retirees. To help, PACSETI and its partners have developed outreach and training programs related to upper management positions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has helped to make sure our programs are running efficiently,\u201d Cain said. \u201cThat is just one example of the power of having a long-term relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
To stay on top of current trends and training needs, PACSETI implemented 19 new training programs to its offerings in 2026 as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of those being served.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuilding off our collaborative partnership, we will be looking at adapting to addressing evolving challenges within the child support program and embracing technological advancements to ensure relevant, timely and cost-effective training solutions that enhance PACSETI’s impact on the state,\u201d Sankey said.<\/p>\n
Robin Kelly, director of the Chester County Domestic Relations Office, was part of the original curriculum design group when PACSETI was first developed. She said it has been impressive to watch as the program has continued to grow and support her in her career.<\/p>\n
\u201cPACSETI has supported my career through a wide range of management development offerings, as well as the smaller, but essential, details of rules and processes we use every day,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cThe ability to attend in-person training, network meaningfully with others, or quickly reference topic-based materials to support daily operations makes PACSETI a dynamic and highly supportive tool.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said those tools are vital to helping children in the state get the support they need.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsing PACSETI as a learning tool equips child support enforcement staff with the knowledge and confidence to perform their jobs well and serve families effectively. This directly supports consistent child support payments, which are proven to lead to better outcomes for children,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cWith well-trained staff, more children in Pennsylvania experience safe, stable and healthy environments.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a background in parole and probation, Brian Fisher said PACSETI played a pivotal role when he stepped into the role of director of Monroe County Domestic Relations in 2022.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir blended learning trainings and online management courses provided exactly the structure and support I needed,\u201d Fisher said. \u201cWhat stood out most was the dedication of PACSETI\u2019s instructors and their openness to questions, willingness to guide me through unfamiliar territory, and genuine commitment to helping strengthen both my leadership and the department.<\/p>\n
\u201cPACSETI has been more than a training provider. They have been a true partner in our success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, after four years at the helm of his office, Fisher said he has seen firsthand how PACSETI\u2019s training has helped his staff in Monroe County contribute to Pennsylvania\u2019s statewide success in child support enforcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that a more informed, confident and knowledgeable workforce is better equipped to lead effectively and achieve meaningful outcomes,\u201d Fisher said. \u201cPACSETI\u2019s ability to strengthen these qualities has had a direct and measurable impact on our work. By enhancing staff competence and confidence, PACSETI contributes to more cases being handled appropriately, ultimately helping more families and children secure the financial stability they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n