Mission Statement

Making a difference in the lives of children by providing exceptional child support services to families. 

Vision Statement

Every Child, Every Time 

State DCSS Mission Statement

What We Do for You

The El Dorado County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) provides its services to all parents. You will be required to complete an application for services and cooperate with our office. 

DCSS will take the following steps to provide services and collect support:

  1. Open a child support case – Either a parent or guardian may open a child support case by completing an application. Services are available to all persons whether or not they are receiving public assistance.

  2. Locate the parent – To get a support order, establish paternity or to enforce a support order, DCSS must know where the non-custodial parent lives and/or works. By providing DCSS with as much information as possible, the custodial party can help with the locate process. DCSS will make every effort to find the non-custodial parent.

  3. Establish Paternity – If paternity has not been established, DCSS will take the necessary steps to establish paternity which must be done before child/medical support can be ordered by the court.

  4. Establish a Support Order – If a support order doesn’t already exist, DCSS will establish one. The order will be based on both parent’s ability to pay, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and the financial needs of the child. DCSS will also request the court to order the non-custodial parent to provide health insurance for the child.

  5. Collection & Distribution of Support Payments – Most child support payments are deducted from wages. All payments are processed through the State Disbursement Unit within 2 business days of receipt. We also offer the convenience of direct deposit or Electronic Payment Cards which works like debit cards.

  6. Enforcement – DCSS will take steps to enforce court orders for child and medical support. Enforcement action will be taken if the non-custodial parent does not pay or pays less than the amount ordered. DCSS will determine what type of enforcement action is to be taken based on state and federal laws & regulations.

DCSS does not:

  • Handle custody or visitation matters

  • Handle divorces

  • Obtain or enforce restraining orders

  • Establish spousal support orders

 

 

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