Potential uses of a central registry/clearinghouse approach in the Child Support Enforcement Program (CSEP) are described in this publication. The CSEP was established in 1975 under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act in an effort to reduce federal monies spent supporting dependent children not receiving financial assistance from absent parents. A central registry/clearinghouse operation provides an automated capability that establishes, for a common purpose, records containing entries of data relevant to cases serviced within a jurisdiction. The central registry/clearinghouse allows CSEP users to collect, classify, record, store, track, and distribute information for child support enforcement activities. Chapter I of this publication indicates basic characteristics of the registry/clearinghouse, points out benefits, and discusses alternative approaches to designing a statewide system. Chapter II explores issues for state program administrators to consider in planning to adopt a central registry/clearinghouse. Chapter III provides program overviews focusing on how Oregon, Missouri, and Nevada have operationalized the registry/clearinghouse concept and how programs have addressed many of the implementation considerations presented in chapter II. Specifically discussed are case initiation and management, financial management, enforcement, safeguarding security/privacy, and reporting. A glossary of terms is included. (RH)