Child Support Helps Local Families Thrive

Sacramento County’s Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) plays an important role in supporting families and promoting the well-being of children across the community. Through a range of services, DCSS helps parents establish and maintain reliable financial support for their children, creating greater stability for families.

“Our goal is to support families in a way that creates stability for children and helps parents navigate the process with confidence,” said DCSS Director Dalen Fredrickson.

What DCSS Does

DCSS provides free services to families, including:

• Establishing child support orders
• Locating parents
• Collecting and distributing payments
• Modifying orders when circumstances change
• Helping ensure accurate tracking of support

These services are available to both parents receiving and paying support, with a focus on fairness, consistency and child well-being.

Child Support Officers like Nikole Smith work closely with families to make the process as clear and manageable as possible, so they can focus on what matters most—their children. “I am a mother. I’ve had times where I’ve cried on the phone with the individual as they’re crying because I can relate to their circumstance. I approach each situation with being empathetic and meeting people where they’re at. And I would want someone to treat me the same way,” said Smith.

Local Impact

The impact of child support services in Sacramento County is significant. In 2025, DCSS collected $134,436,544, a 4% increase from the previous year. “Every dollar collected represents real support for families, helping cover everyday needs like food, clothing and housing,” said Fredrickson.

On a monthly basis, the department distributes more than $11 million in child support payments, providing consistent financial support that many families rely on.

Child support is widely recognized as an important tool in improving outcomes for children and families. Research shows that consistent support is associated with:

• Greater financial stability
• Increased parental involvement
• Improved educational outcomes
• Reduced family stress

A Focus on Access and Support

DCSS is committed to making services accessible and easy to navigate. Participation in child support services is voluntary, and staff work closely with families to provide guidance, answer questions and connect them with available resources.

We understand every family’s situation is different, and we’re here to provide support in a way that is respectful, safe, and responsive to their needs. “We want you to feel safe through the process and know that your information is confidential,” said Nikole Smith.

The department also prioritizes safety and confidentiality, with protections in place for families experiencing sensitive situations, including family violence.

Looking Ahead

As conversations continue at the state level about ways to improve access to child support services, Sacramento County remains focused on its mission: helping children and families thrive.

Residents interested in learning more about child support services or enrolling can visit the county website or contact DCSS directly for assistance at 1-866-901-3212.

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