News Details

County celebrates Child Support Awareness Month

August 10, 2016

SOLANO COUNTY – August is Child Support Awareness month, and to celebrate, the Solano County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) reminds parents that their support can fundamentally shape their children's future.

A child’s life is full of firsts, including a first bike lesson, first pair of shoes and first science fair project.  With a parent’s support, these firsts may lead to the next great racing champion, fashion designer or world renowned scientist.  For more than 1.3 million children in California, many of these firsts were made possible because one or both parents chose to participate in California’s Child Support Program.

"Child support is more than just providing for the basic needs of our children," said Alisha Griffin, State Director of the California Department of Child Support Services.  “Each time a parent teaches them how to ride a bike, lets them be messy and creative, encourages their sports or takes time to play and help them with their homework, they’re helping the child discover a part of themselves.”

In addition to supporting children and their many firsts – the local Solano County DCSS provides parents and caregivers with many helpful services, including:

- Finding a parent
- Establishing the legal identity of a child’s father
- Reaching an agreement with the other parent on a dollar amount of support
- Establishing, modifying and enforcing a monetary and/or medical support court order

To access child support services, a parent may complete an application online or in the office of one of the 49 county and regional departments of child support services in California, including the Solano County office, located at 435 Executive Court North in Fairfield.

In fiscal year 2015-2016, California’s child support program collected and distributed more than $2.3 billion in child support for nearly 1.3 million children and families across the state, an increase of $31 million — or 1.4 percent over the previous year.

If a parent has gotten behind in child support payments, DCSS can potentially modify or reduce the total amount owed through the Compromise of Arrears Program which has already helped thousands of parents get back on track.

For more information and applications to participate in California’s Child Support Program visit www.SolanoCounty.com/Depts/DCSS or call (866) 901-3212.