SMI and CSSD Implement Check 21 for Child Support Payment Receipting in the District of Columbia.

CARROLLTON, Ga. -- Systems & Methods, Inc., (SMI), a premier technological solution provider to government human service agencies, has initiated Check 21 child support payment processing in their District of Columbia Child Support Clearinghouse. They began sending files on October 26, 2006, to the District's banking partner after a successful implementation of SMART([R]) Deposit. Briefly, Check 21 is designed to enhance the efficiency of payment systems by converting paper checks to an electronic form that can be more quickly and securely processed through the state disbursement unit (SDU) and the bank.

With the Clearinghouse currently processing over $60 million in transactions per year, the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) took the lead in developing a successful public/private partnership with SMI to add Check 21 as an essential component of their child support payment services. Cost effectiveness has significantly increased through the technological advances provided by the Clearinghouse, with that effectiveness up from 2004 by over 40% per every dollar spent. Through this new innovation achieved through the CSSD and SMI partnership, District child support leadership helps ensure even greater cost effectiveness in the future, thereby continuing to provide their stakeholders with the best possible service. Through the addition of Check 21 processing through SMART([R]) Deposit, the District of Columbia has taken a major step in helping to move this important technology forward.

SMI is an industry leader in the production of automated payment processing systems for government human service providers. They are always at the forefront in the development of systems that put much needed funds into the hands of program participants with faster and more convenient delivery. The development of SMART([R]) Deposit demonstrates their continued innovation in child support state distribution unit (SDU) operations.

Celebrating 35 years in business, SMI is a family owned and operated corporation dedicated to providing technological solutions and support to its governmental partners. SMI specializes in the development and delivery of information processing solutions for governmental agencies for child support, child welfare and financial management programs and has operated facilities and systems, as well as provided technological solutions, across the nation.