Welcome to the San Bernardino County Child Support
Services Newsletter. We are excited to share information and news
that relates to you. Through providing compelling stories and
sharing services and opportunities, our goal is to partner with
families to reach the goal of Children Thriving.
Trunk-or-Treat Event at Loma Linda and Victorville
On October 28, 2023, Child Support Services hosted its 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat event at the Loma Linda and Victorville offices. We were excited to share the day with families and community partners.
In total, both locations welcomed 55 agencies. They shared
information on their free services and gave special treats to all the children. We are thrilled to share that 1,650 members of the
community joined us for this family-friendly event. Our Trunk or
Treat event is a day to celebrate, connect, and unite. Stay in the loop on our upcoming events by following us on social media.
We look forward to seeing you at our 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat in
October 2024!
Fallen Behind on Child Support Payments? Debt Reduction May Help!
The Debt Reduction Program allows eligible parents to
reduce the amount of past-due child support they owe to the government. This debt, called arrears, is owed to the government if
your child ever received public assistance (welfare) or was in foster care while no payments were being made toward court-ordered
child support. Formerly known as the Compromise of Arrears Program (COAP), this new program allows for a higher approval rate. If you qualify for the program, you will be allowed to pay off your debt for less than the total amount owed.
On your application, you can indicate the amount you would like to
offer the State to settle your arrears. However, each child support
case is unique and is reviewed individually. Several factors are
considered during the review process, including your current income
and assets, household size, and cost of living. The program does
not forgive your entire balance, spousal support arrears, or any
funds owed to other parties.
To be considered, you must submit a Debt Reduction Application with
supporting documents, such as pay stubs, bank statements, proof of
assets, and, in some cases, tax return documents.
A Child Support Specialist is ready to help you with this process.
Contact us today!
Life can get busy and making it to our offices before 5:00 p.m. isn’t always possible.
Recognizing the challenges of traditional work hours, we’re breaking barriers, with our DCSS After Hours, by bringing our dedicated Child Support Specialists to a local library near you.
Our DCSS After Hours isn’t just about extending the clock; it’s about
being accessible to you and delivering on-the-spot services and
assistance that meet your Child Support needs, including:
Opening a new case for child or medical
support.
Complete/submit
forms.
Request a change of
your child support order.
Connect with other
resources and community services.
Negotiate a license
release.
Catch us at four different locations through each month! Click Learn More to view library locations and mark your calendar.
With great privilege and honor, the DCSS Fatherhood Committee held a panel conversation on Fatherhood. The panel was comprised of individuals from community partner organizations and a father who was a former customer. The panel shared experiences on the challenges and hurdles that fathers may encounter. Our previous
customer shared experiences of becoming a father at an early age,
going to jail, having multiple cases, and trying to figure out how to mend his relationship with his children. Our panelist and audience greatly admired his success in overcoming these obstacles.
Our Community partners spoke on various topics, including father well-being, co-parenting, mentorships, and role modeling. In addition, they presented community support programs for fathers.
The DCSS Fatherhood Committee was formed in June 2022. The Committee promotes awareness and the importance of a father’s
role in children thriving.