Payments Made By The Federal Government For The Support Of A Child This training is an article and self-assessment test on the subject of federal benefits that are paid for the support of a child. This article discusses: Federal authority for benefits that are paid pursuant to the Social Security Act and the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974. California authority for treatment of benefits as child support, including the history of California statutory authorities that allow for the credit toward court-ordered child support obligations of federal benefits received for the support of a child, and the

The Child Support Performance and Incentive Act of 1998 enacted significant changes in the way federal incentives are paid to states. The methodology changed from being based on cost-effectiveness only, to five federal performance measures implemented over a three year period, beginning October 1, 1999. The federal Office of Child Support Enforcement’s (OCSE) Action Transmittal 01-01, dated January 3, 2001 contains the federal regulations that govern the system. Since Federal Fiscal Year 2000, states are evaluated for federal incentive funds based on five performance measures: Paternity Establishment Percentage The IV-D Paternity Establishment Percentage (PEP) measures the

As part of its mission to advocate for the support of California’s children, CalCSA engages in legislative advocacy. Together with our partners, including the Legislature, California Department of Child Support Services, courts, counties, community organizations, and families, CalCSA is committed to advancing policies that ensure all California children receive the support they deserve. Learn more about how CalCSA members are involved in this work via our Advocacy Committee and Policy Review & Implementation Committee. 2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM The 2026 CalCSA Legislative Platform seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the Child Support Program in reducing child poverty.

HOME ABOUT THE EVENT FORMS & DEADLINES RESOURCES SUBMIT MATERIALS TECH & SUPPORT FAQS HOME Welcome, Speakers! We’re thrilled to welcome you to the 2026 Annual Child Support Conference & Expo, hosted by CalCSA. This premier event brings together professionals, leaders, and innovators from across the nation to share insights, inspire progress, and strengthen the child support program for families and communities. Our theme this year is Child Support Matters … One Vision, Shared Purpose. As a valued speaker, you play a key role in driving meaningful conversations and advancing the future of our field. This

Are We Doing Long Board or Short Board? Surfing Your Way Through Changing Tides of Judicial Opinions with Case Law Update Presentation   Exploring the Tide Pools Presentation Notice of Right to Garnish Federal Benefits   Across Borders and Jurisdictions: Navigating UIFSA in International and Tribal Child Support Cases Presentation Application for Issuance of Certificate of Mexican Law Blank Ex parte Application for Issuance of LR for Service of Process Abroad Blank Ex Parte Application for Issuance of LR to Obtain Evidence in Mexico Blank Request for International Judicial Assistance for Service of Process in Mexico

August is Child Support Awareness Month, which is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the significant impact child support programs have on promoting family stability and helping children thrive. The Child Support Directors Association (CSDA) is deeply committed to enhancing the program through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration. By supporting local child support agencies, CSDA ensures that families across California receive the vital resources they need to build brighter futures. A big thank you to all the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly every day to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Read more about

1935Title IV-A of the Social Security Act Post-Depression Era During the post-Depression era, the United States enacted federal legislation establishing the forerunner of today’s welfare system. The program was originally initiated to provide all dependent children more stability through financial aid via Title IV-A of the Social Security Act of 1935. This act established the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. 1950s-1970s Public Criticism Growing criticism of welfare programs as creating dependency and an undue burden on taxpayers. The belief that the AFDC program was supporting one-parent households without incentivizing self-sufficiency. 1975 Introduction of

Michael Smitsky Michael Smitsky will begin as Executive Director of the Child Support Director’s Association on December 16th. He was the Vice President of Government Affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and oversees the organization’s advocacy work at the federal and state levels across the air, ground and maritime domains. Mike is an attorney by training, with a focus on maritime law, and previously a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Back-to-School Drive Benefits Dinuba Students Joint efforts by the Tulare County Department of Child Support Services and Valley Strong Credit Union As an organization that represents local child support directors, we are thrilled and proud to announce the Tulare County Department of Child Support Services’ initiative to support the community and improve the education journey of children during Child Support Awareness Month. The Tulare County Department of Child Support Services (TCDCSS) has teamed up with Valley Strong Credit Union to hold a Back-to-School Drive benefiting students in Dinuba. Their goal was to collect 60 to 100

We are excited to invite you to participate in the 2024 Legal College in San Diego from October 22 to October 24. This year, we embrace the theme “Passport to Adventure: Exploring the Laws of Child Support,” aiming to provide an immersive educational experience for the child support legal community of California. The College is an essential tool to assist attorneys and non-attorney staff with learning about the ever-changing legal and policy landscape of child support. Please join us as we stamp your Passport to Adventure: Exploring the Laws of Child Support. When: October 22 –