The Road to DC: Vision, Perspectives, and the 2026 Policy Forum

The Road to DC: Vision, Perspectives, and the 2026 Policy Forum

Author: NCSEA January 27, 2026 Duration: 36:47

Pack your bags—the child support community is headed to the nation's capital! In this episode of On Location, Tim Lightner and Betty Tegegne (Research Associate with the Center for Policy Research) catch up with 2026 Policy Forum Co-Chairs Carla West (North Carolina Division Director ofHuman Services, which includes Child Support, Economic Services, Aging, and Operations) and Dr. Trish Skophammer (Director, Ramsey County Child Support in St. Paul, Minnesota).  Discover what has the chairs most excited this year, from high-level policy discussions to the powerful networking that only happens in D.C. Whether you’re a Policy Forum veteran or still considering your first trip, join us for a preview of the brewing energy behind this year’s event.


If you haven’t registered (for either in-person or virtual attendance), please visit www.ncseapolicyforum.org and secure your spot!


Ever wonder what happens when you pull a microphone out at a conference or a community meeting? That's the spirit of NCSEA On Location. Instead of polished studio sessions, this podcast captures conversations where they naturally happen-in hallways after a panel, at international gatherings, or in quiet corners of bustling events. You'll hear directly from Human Services professionals, from caseworkers to policy architects, along with advocates and community stakeholders who are deeply involved in the system. The discussions are immediate and grounded, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges and innovations in public service. Each episode feels like you’ve stepped into a meaningful, spontaneous dialogue, one that continues long after the formal agenda ends. The authentic atmosphere is even complemented by original music from Joe Mamlin, whose granted compositions frame these real-world recordings. Brought to you by NCSEA, this series is for anyone curious about the human stories behind government services, preferring the sound of genuine exchange over a rehearsed script. Tune in to a podcast that truly travels, bringing you voices from the field exactly as they were heard on the ground.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

NCSEA On Location
Podcast Episodes
Navigating Military Child Support: Legal Insights with Kris Hilscher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:50
Military families face unique challenges when it comes tochild support, from frequent relocations and deployments to military pay structures. In this episode of On Location, Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) hosts Kris H…
Holistic Family Supports: A Discussion with Lilly James [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:41
On today’s program, Tim Lightner (eWorld Enterprise Solutions) has the privilege to talk with Lilly James, Director of the Child Support Enforcement Program for the Nez Perce Tribal Court. Lilly was a featured plenary sp…
The Road to the 2025 Policy Forum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:40
We're gearing up for the 2025 NCSEA Policy Forum, happening January 30th - February 1st in Washington, D.C., where child support professionals will come together to tackle key issues shaping our field. 🎤 In our latest po…
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg: Best Practices in Advocacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:35
On today’s episode of On Location, Patti Garofalo (Child Support practice Director with NTT Data) hosts a stellar line up to talk about connecting and engaging with legislators and other government officials. Her guests…
2024 NCSEA Holiday Podcast (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:26
Happy Holidays from the On Location Team! This week’s episode brings you additional holiday cheer and 2025 wishes from child support professionals from North Carolina, Missouri, California, Arizona and New York. Hosted b…
2024 NCSEA Holiday Podcast (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:11
Happy Holidays from the On Location Team! This week’s episode brings you holiday cheer and hopes for the new year from child support professionals from Alaska, Wisconsin, California, and Michigan. Hosted by Pat O’Donnell…